Lethal Lily

Peggy Lee Garden Mystery #7

by Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene

Part-time garden shop owner/part-time forensic botanist, Peggy Lee is trying to discover if the death of Ann Fletcher 20 years ago was an accident - or foul play. In return, she hopes to receive more information about her late husband's death. She knows John Lee was murdered, but questions have arisen as to why he was killed. She is working with a private detective who stumbles across his own feet, but her Internet friend, Nightflyer, says that Harry Fletcher has the answers. When Harry is murdered by convallatoxin, from the lily of the valley plant, Peggy begins to understand her role in everything. Now she has to stay alive long enough to prove her theories - and keep her son, Paul out of trouble too!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2014

About the author

aka Elyssa Henry and Joye Ames, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant

Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene are a wife and husband team who have written and published more than 70 books since 1999. They live in North Carolina with their family and enjoy cooking, photography and ghost hunting.

Reviews

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book in the Peggy Lee Garden Mystery series. Nothing like jumping into the middle of a series right? But I had no problem understanding the storyline. The first six books were not needed to enjoy this one. Having said that, I will go back and read the others (and so shold you) because I did enjoy this one so much.

The authors make this book not only a great mystery, but also educational. I know I learned many new things though Peggy Lee who is a forensic botanist. Her expertise is often a big help when she shares her knowledge with the medical examiner's office. She also owns The Potting Shed and has amazing plant and gardening advice.

The educational aspect of this book is just one part I enjoyed. This is a well written mystery with twists, turns, and surprises I just didn't see coming. Great story telling kept me turning the pages. I was never quite sure who I could trust other than Peggy herself.

I have been a fan of Joyce & Jim Lavene since I read my first book by them. And trust me, there have been many by them in between that title and this one. No matter what pen name they use, J.J. Cook, Ellie Grant, or their own, every book and series is as entertaining as the next.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

This is my first Peggy Lee Gardening Mystery. So I have no shared history with the characters. Now I really want to know more about their past. I like the characters. I do like to know more about the plants they talk about. Makes me want to garden even more.

I would not mind having the chocolate vine in my yard. I did not know that so many of the plants are so full of poison.

Peggy Lee is looking into the death of her first husband. Their are some facts coming out she did not know. She is arrested for almost breaking into a storage unit. She tries to go unnoticed at the police station. It does not work. Soon others recognize her and get her FBI husband to know, Her late husband's partner and her son the cop.

Peggy owns a garden shop, she is also the county Forensic botanist. Her second husband was actually working with her husband when he was killed. Their are a lot of questions about his death. She did not want her son, husband knowing that she was working with private investigator Harry who had some knowledge about her husband.

Harry thinks his wife was murdered twenty years ago by poison. He is hoping if Peggy works with him they can both find answers to the past. Then Harry turns up dead. Peggy finds the body and realizes he was poisoned too.

I feel that I have been a little lost in knowing which characters to trust and what ones maybe not to. Especially with the ending.

I enjoy reading Joyce and Jim Lavene books. they tale a good tale. I will read more books from them in the future.

I wanted to keep reading and find out more about the characters. It was a fast read.

I was given this ebook to read and in return agreed to give honest review of it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, it is the 8th book in this series, but can be read as a standalone because it is a different story. I love Peggy and all of the characters in this book. Peggy is a botanist and also works when needed with the medical examiner’s office when there is a murder with poisoning. Peggy’s first husband was murdered 10 years ago and she is contacted that an investigator may have some information regarding his murder. Peggy agrees to help the investigator look into his wife’s death in exchange for the information he has on her first husband. However, before they can start Peggy finds the investigator murdered, and she knows he was killed by poison. Peggy then sets up trying to find out who killed the investigator, his wife, and the information on her first husband. The book kept me reading way past my bedtime, because I had to find out what happens. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Michele Seigfried · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoy reading a book that is educational as well. I learned so much about flowers and plants while reading this. I love that the authors put descriptions of the various plants at the beginnings of chapters. I especially enjoyed learning which plants are poisonous. Because I have a new puppy, I certainly took note. This book is full of mystery and intrigue. I kept flipping pages trying to find out what was going on and who the killer was! It is absolutely a plus when a book is able to keep my attention and this one did. A light and fun mystery, I would recommend this book. Although I haven’t read the other books in this series, I didn’t feel like I was lost in the plot or confused with character histories/backgrounds. It stood well on its own. Peggy is an enjoyable main character. Take this one to the beach with you this summer for an entertaining read!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion of the author's work.

[Shannon M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peggy Lee, owner of The Potting Shed and a forensic botanist, is back in fine form and searching for information about the death of her first husband, John. Based upon a suggestion from her mysterious friend, Nightflyer, she hooks up with P.I. Harry Fletcher who supposedly has documentation regarding John’s death in a rented storage shed. Harry, in turn, is hoping Peggy can help him prove that his wife, Ann, was poisoned. Of course, this joint investigation leads to murder and mayhem.

Peggy’s expertise comes in handy as she helps the Medical Examiner’s office investigate recent and past murders. However, as the investigation continues she is both stalked and threatened by unknown assailants. Will Peggy be able to solve these mysteries or will her time run out? “Lethal Lily” is a must read for mystery fans and it matters not if you haven’t read Peggy’s previous adventures, although I highly recommend it. Happy reading!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series of books, partly because I like Peggy Lee, and the other (often quirky) characters, but partly because there are little snippets of information about plants, some of which I'm familiar with, most of which I'm not. I always learn something I didn't know.

In this book Peggy gets involved with a shady, sometimes law-breaking PI, who says he has information about her late husband's murder. She gets arrested trying to break into the storage unit with him, and then he turns up dead in his motel room. A victim of poisoning.

Peggy Lee is sharp, works with the Medical Examiner's Office as a Forensic Biologist, so she always tries to do everything legally and by the book. She gets in trouble anyway.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Shelley Giusti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Honestly this is my first meeting of Peggy Lee and I am definitely going back to read this series! Love Loved it! Peggy Lee is trying to find out more about her husband's death and what really happened.She believes Harry has information about it so she goes to meet Harry at the storage units and gets herself arrested. Eager to find out what Harry knows she goes to his hotel room only to find him dead from what she believes is poison. What a fantastic page turn, you get hooked on this story from the start and they keep you wanting more with each page you turn. Strong characters, great plot makes for a wonderful night of reading! You do not want to miss a minute of this!!

[Melina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second visit with Peggy Lee and her Garden Mysteries and it was an edge of your seat, suspense filled journey. This book kept me turning the pages and kept my attention throughout. I really enjoyed the information about different plants and flowers that Jim and Joyce included in this story. Peggy gets herself into some dangerous situations, but that doesn't stop her. If you like plants, flowers, gardening, and edge of your seat thrills, this is the book for you. Great job, Jim and Joyce. I look forward to more.





I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

[Theresa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very fortunate to receive a copy of this delightful series from the author. I truly enjoy all of the author's books. But The Peggy Lee Gardening series along with The Missing Pieces Series are my favorite. This book continues to delight the the reader in the life of this clever and funny horticulturist. With every new book in this series, I want the main character, Peggy, to come and help me with my gardening skills! High praises to the authors once again. Thank you for your incredible gift to us all!

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I was a bit reluctant reading the Peggy Lee series only because I've never enjoyed garden mysteries even though I love to work in the garden. But this series was a wonderful surprise. And it just gets better with every book!

Peggy's friend Nightflyer has suggested that she work with PI Harry Fletcher for more information about her husband's murder. In exchange, Harry wants Peggy's help with his late wife's murder 20 yrs ago. Deemed an accident by the police at the time, Harry insists that she was poisoned. When Peggy finds Harry poisoned in his hotel room, it's looking more and more like someone killed him for the files he had in his storage locker.....

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peggy's first husband John was murdered. Even though she herself has remarried and moved on with her life, Peggy still wants to know the truth about what happened to John.
Peggy helps a private detective named Harry who wants to prove his wife was murdered for information he may have about Johns death.
This mystery has many layers and we are seeing more of these characters personalities come out.
This book had me interested all the way through, did not want to put it down.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts right after the last book. Mai is about to have a baby and Peggy is on the case of of late husband. Peggy seems to have grown up in this book. It will be interesting to see what the next and final book in the series ends.

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 7th book in the Peggy Lee Garden mystery series. Peggy is a botanist turned amateur sleuth. Fun and entertaining cozy mystery. Good for fans of cozies and plants.

[Debbie Beeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. I love Peggy Lee mysteries.

[OpenBookSociety.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://openbooksociety.com/article/le...

Brought to you by OBS reviewer JoAnne

Peggy Lee owns a garden shop and is also a part-time forensic botanist with the ME’s department, and gives lectures at the local university. When she receives information that her late husband, John, was murdered and did not die accidentally, Peggy knows she needs to find out the truth, since she has always suspected the same. But the answers have to come from a hapless private detective, Harry Fletcher, who wants something in return for the information he may have on John. He wants her to prove that his late wife Ann did not commit suicide and was murdered also.

So when she finds out that in order to gain access to the files, which are at a storage unit and up for auction, she arrives ready with checkbook in hand. But she is outbid by another person, Arnold Hauck, who has his own reasons for wanting the files. It seems Ann was Arnie’s sister, and he thinks that Harry murdered Ann, and wants Peggy to go through the files to find out the truth of that…and therein lies the beginning of Peggy’s troubles.

Peggy is thrust not only into the problem of finding out the truth about John; while her now-husband Steve, an FBI agent that John was working with, wants her to leave it alone for his own reasons; her son Paul wants the answers in his own way; John’s partner Al wants her to let it go but knows she won’t, and if that’s not enough, she’s being stalked and threatened and knows that she’s getting close to the truth and must continue with her investigation even if she doesn’t want to.

I absolutely loved reading this book; so much so that I read well into the night until I finished. The authors know how to draw the reader in and keep them interested all the way through the book. The plot has twists and turns that the reader needs to keep abreast of, because otherwise you will find yourself going back to check pages you’ve read for the clues.

When I finally got to the end, I only wanted to read the next book in the series to find out how everything turns out. A highly recommended read for everyone who likes mysteries; even for those who aren’t interested in gardening. A superb book.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into the changes made by the authors when they brought back this series.

Peggy's character took more stupid risks and refused to reach out for help even when it was obvious the authorities should be called. There was a seriously lack of trust when it came to her husband...

Which was sometimes understandable considering he had suddenly morphed into a full time FBI agent... Sorry but I couldn't suspend my disbelief on that one. They spend so much time talking up his veterinary practice in the first 5 books only to turn around and "reveal" that he was undercover all that time because he was supposed to watch out for Peggy... Wow he must be the most talented man on the planet to have gotten his veterinarian schooling done and still had time to be an FBI agent...

Plus both of these new books have a kidnapping where only Peggy can save the victim was just too much.

I might read more, but overall I'm disappointed. It came off too much like the authors wanted to bring back Peggy and just wrote out or rewrote characters they didn't like anymore.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP. books from the author ASAP.

[Henry Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery has a simple plot but enough layers to make it more than a routine whodunit. For many Peggy Lee fans, I suspect the layers may hold as much interest as the mystery. Of its many characters, the most important is protagonist Peggy Lee, who plays several roles. She is a botanical expert, amateur investigator, friend to many, mother, wife once widowed by a man who was murdered, runs a small business, and provides technical expertise to law enforcement. One of her connections is "Nightflyer," who communicates with her via email, seems to follow her life, and offers oracular advice.
The obvious threads in the novel are the murder mystery; botany (running a gardening shop, offering advice to friends and clients, lecturing, consulting); and personal (interacting with husband, son, expectant daughter-in-law, and an overbearing dog named Shakespeare).

The plot: Prompted by Nightflyer, Peggy tries to link up with a man who may be connected to the death of her first husband, the man dies, Peggy follows leads to investigate the contents of a storage locker, a exhumed corpse yields surprises, a mysterious woman offers Peggy a deal she cannot refuse, she meets the woman, and (revealing the rest would be a spoiler).

The novel is intelligent, well written, and adheres to the usual cozy conventions. As a bonus, it includes botanical vignettes, a recipe for onion soup, and advice on finding edible plants in your garden. Much to this reviewer's surprise, the Lethal Lily of the title turned out not to be what I expected.

[Karen E. Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads contest and was not disappointed. This is the 7th book in the series and I never read any of the others before. Despite that I understood everything from the first chapter to the last without being left confused. I could not stop myself from reading as I was interested in what was going to happen. This is exactly what I expect from a good thriller. I was left curious when Harry's death was only the beginning and left surprised at who was behind the whole crime. Even in the end suspicions were left in the air which makes me want to order the 8th book to satisfy my curiosity. Peggy Lee, the main character, is a garden shop owner and a part-time forensic botanist which made this book the more enjoyable. I am use to cops or detectives solving crime but not from a person with extensive knowledge in plants and solving cases involving them. If you are not a huge fan of plants in general this might not be something to pick up as the story caters to plants. I love plants and always wanted to have a garden, so I found the bits of information about them fascinating. A book of crimes and plants is definitely what made me love this book.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily of the Valley has such a sweet and pure fragrance but it is also a poison. Peggy Lee owns a garden store and is a botanic forensic expert for the county. She knows her plants and what plants are poisonous. She is contacted by her mysterious internet friend that a PI. named Harry has some information about the death of Peggy Lee's first husband over 20 years ago. Harry wants help with proving that his sister was murdered years ago. He has some files and information on Peggy Lee husband's death. So it begins and Peggy Lee is taken on a trail of adventure, mishaps, surprises and danger.

It was a quick read with a twist involved. Peggy is a mature sleuth who is now married for a second time. She has a son and is soon to be a grandmother. One would not have to have read the previous books. I think cozy mystery readers and people who like a little gardening with their mystery would enjoy this book. It ended with an interesting segue to the next book in the series. The LaVenes can really write entertaining mysteries

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted to see additional books to the Peggy Lee Series. I enjoy the botanical descriptions both the forensic and garden information.
The characters have continue to become and add to the story.
Peggy has a note from Nightflyer that this person has some information on the death of her first husband. Harry says his notes are in storage. Peggy agrees to help him find the answer to his wife death and he will assist her her in her husband death. Before the investigation can start Peggy finds Harry DEAD from a botanical poison.
Mia is is close to given birth of her first grandchild and Paul wants help her find the answer to his father death.
The book has several twists and turns and the ending is a surprise. This is a must read series and I recommend it highly.

[Christa Nardi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a 4.5! This NEW release continues the story of Peggy Lee, a botanist associated with the medical examiner when there is a possible poisoning. She still doesn't have closure on her husband's murder despite her marriage to Steve, who was John's FBI partner. Her efforts to hide her own investigation from Steve and from her son backfire when the person who is supposed to have some of the answers is poisoned. Peggy continues to work on the case but it gets complicated and potentially dangerous for Peggy. Even when many questions are answered, there are still some questions. LETHAL LILY was only released last week, and I am hoping Joyce and Jim write fast.

[April Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I was a bit reluctant reading the Peggy Lee series only because I've never enjoyed garden mysteries even though I love to work in the garden. But this series was a wonderful surprise. And it just gets better with every book!

Peggy's friend Nightflyer has suggested that she work with PI Harry Fletcher for more information about her husband's murder. In exchange, Harry wants Peggy's help with his late wife's murder 20 yrs ago. Deemed an accident by the police at the time, Harry insists that she was poisoned. When Peggy finds Harry poisoned in his hotel room, it's looking more and more like someone killed him for the files he had in his storage locker.....

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is 8th in a series.It could be read without reading the others but it better read in order. They do give background information that gets a little old when you read 3 in a row. .In this book Peggy Lee is involved in a 20 year old poisoning and looking for more information on her husband's death. Interesting information on plants that are poison to people.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightflyer remains elusive, but must be someone close to Peggy as he/she always knows what is happening. Peggy's neighbor Walter and Norris the FBI agent both seem a little sketchy to me. I look forward to reading Killing Weeds to see what pans out.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and informative

Good plot and characters, great sense of place. I found the plant information to be a great addition to the story.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peggy gets thrown a few curves, and has to add rescuing her daughter-in-law and granddaughter to the day

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd I've read in the Peggy Lee series. I enjoyed this one and I like Peggy's personality.

[Linda Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I enjoyed reading this book. It was full of interesting facts and a twisty mystery. Peggy is very smart and easy to like