What do you think?
Rate this book
Mandy Dyer #8
Pressed to Kill
"Dolores Johnson writes with wit and panache. I love her sense of humor."
---Diane Mott Davidson, author of Double Shot
In this latest installment of Dolores Johnson's beloved dry-cleaning sleuth series, Mandy Dyer notices the new and improved appearance of her customer Ardith Brewster. The young woman has met a new but mysterious boyfriend at Dyer Cleaners' open house party. When Ardith, a loan officer at a bank, turns up dead a couple days later, Mandy suspects the worst. The only clue she has to go on is a mention of the unknown boyfriend's sharp sense of style---so different from Ardith's suit-and-tie co-workers. Mandy's curiosity turns to horror when she finds that the victim in a similar killing had been in the cleaners shortly before her death, and what's more, that the two women bore a striking resemblance to each other.
With only clothes for clues and the less-than-reliable help of her incorrigible employee, Betty the Bag Lady, Mandy presses on with her investigation in a race to find the killer before he has a chance to close out her career permanently.
---Diane Mott Davidson, author of Double Shot
In this latest installment of Dolores Johnson's beloved dry-cleaning sleuth series, Mandy Dyer notices the new and improved appearance of her customer Ardith Brewster. The young woman has met a new but mysterious boyfriend at Dyer Cleaners' open house party. When Ardith, a loan officer at a bank, turns up dead a couple days later, Mandy suspects the worst. The only clue she has to go on is a mention of the unknown boyfriend's sharp sense of style---so different from Ardith's suit-and-tie co-workers. Mandy's curiosity turns to horror when she finds that the victim in a similar killing had been in the cleaners shortly before her death, and what's more, that the two women bore a striking resemblance to each other.
With only clothes for clues and the less-than-reliable help of her incorrigible employee, Betty the Bag Lady, Mandy presses on with her investigation in a race to find the killer before he has a chance to close out her career permanently.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 9, 2007
5 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Dolores Johnson
41 books21 followersDolores Johnson is a journalist who has worked on newspapers in Oregon, California, Wyoming and Colorado, but she always wanted to write and sell a murder mystery. She tried writing books about an investigative reporter and a newspaper editor, but it wasn't until she wrote a book about a dry cleaner, using her background as a free-lance writer and field reporter for American Drycleaner, that she met with success.
Series:
* Mandy Dyer Mystery
Series:
* Mandy Dyer Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 17, 2025
I’m having a rough audiobook week, and this one was especially hard to get through. While I liked the concept, the execution didn’t work for me—largely because the FMC wasn’t likable. It’s also the eighth book in the series, and although it can be read as a standalone, there are constant references to past installments with no explanation, which left me feeling a bit lost.
The audiobook is narrated by Emily Ellet, and unfortunately her performance was a big stumbling block. The side characters—especially the male voices—were so poorly done that they pulled me out of the story again and again. I listen to hundreds of audiobooks each year, and while narration is always subjective, I know I won’t be seeking out more titles read by her.
I fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
The audiobook is narrated by Emily Ellet, and unfortunately her performance was a big stumbling block. The side characters—especially the male voices—were so poorly done that they pulled me out of the story again and again. I listen to hundreds of audiobooks each year, and while narration is always subjective, I know I won’t be seeking out more titles read by her.
I fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
September 19, 2025
It was a cute and light mystery. I’ve not read the others before it but I see that is has many. You can tell from reading it that there are more stories that came before. Not in a bad way that gets you confused but just lets you know she has been in some mischief before. It was a fun listen.
January 8, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing, and the author for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This time around, I did know what I was getting into because this is No. 8 in the Mandy Dyer investigation series.
Mandy is back doing what she does best: running her dry cleaning business, trying (and failing) to stay out of trouble, and once again getting pulled into a mystery that is very much not her circus or her monkey until she absolutely realises she might have become one of the monkeys (ifykyk). What starts as a seemingly manageable situation quickly spirals into something far more dangerous, and suddenly Mandy is juggling suspects, secrets, and way too many people sticking their noses where they don’t belong all while trying to not get possibly killed.
Pressed to Kill delivered exactly what I’ve come to expect from this series: cosy winter vibes, strong banter, found family moments, and a mystery that actually keeps you guessing. This time I did guess the villain pretty much halfway through, even though the story kept me from believing in my judgement.
Once again, the narrator made this such an enjoyable listen — the tension, humour, and urgency were all really well balanced, and it made the whole thing feel like a smooth, bingeable ride.
Side Note: Mandy being completely fed up, overwhelmed, and irritated with everyone meddling while she’s just trying to exist? Still one of my favourite things about this series. Extremely relatable, 10/10.
This time around, I did know what I was getting into because this is No. 8 in the Mandy Dyer investigation series.
Mandy is back doing what she does best: running her dry cleaning business, trying (and failing) to stay out of trouble, and once again getting pulled into a mystery that is very much not her circus or her monkey until she absolutely realises she might have become one of the monkeys (ifykyk). What starts as a seemingly manageable situation quickly spirals into something far more dangerous, and suddenly Mandy is juggling suspects, secrets, and way too many people sticking their noses where they don’t belong all while trying to not get possibly killed.
Pressed to Kill delivered exactly what I’ve come to expect from this series: cosy winter vibes, strong banter, found family moments, and a mystery that actually keeps you guessing. This time I did guess the villain pretty much halfway through, even though the story kept me from believing in my judgement.
Once again, the narrator made this such an enjoyable listen — the tension, humour, and urgency were all really well balanced, and it made the whole thing feel like a smooth, bingeable ride.
Side Note: Mandy being completely fed up, overwhelmed, and irritated with everyone meddling while she’s just trying to exist? Still one of my favourite things about this series. Extremely relatable, 10/10.
September 23, 2025
Happy audiobook release day to Pressed to Kill by Dolores Johnson! If you’ve ever wanted your cozy mystery with a side of garment-based homicide and men who act like emotional tumbleweeds, Mandy Dyer is back to solve another murder, whether anyone asked her to or not.
Mandy Dyer is back and once again, murder has arrived on a hanger. The woman cannot run a dry-cleaning business without a corpse showing up and ruining everyone’s starch levels. This time, it’s poor Ardith Brewster, a regular client who recently swapped her usual “divorced bank manager” aesthetic for flirty prints and a new man. Mandy’s thrilled about the makeover... until Ardith turns up dead and the vibe in the breakroom plummets.
Then a second woman is found dead. Also stylish, also connected to Mandy’s shop. Suddenly Mandy’s not just removing mystery stains. She’s tracking a potential serial killer who apparently has a thing for chic, middle-aged women and upscale dry cleaning. Could this murderer be shopping her client list? Is that silk blouse harboring secrets? Why is everyone suddenly weird about denim? Mandy, as always, must investigate.
If you’re a Dyer series regular, you know Mandy usually cracks her cases with a combination of nosy intuition and literal garment-based evidence. This one dials back the fabric-forensics a bit. The clothes are still relevant, but they’re more of a mood board than a smoking gun. You’re not getting a “lipstick-on-the-collar solves the mystery” moment here. Instead, you’ll get Mandy spiraling through suspects with righteous fury and low patience, which honestly still delivers.
Now to the emotional sand trap that is Travis. He’s here. He’s not useless. He helps in small, PI-adjacent ways. But he’s not exactly a ride-or-die investigator. He’s more like your emotionally muted coworker who occasionally forwards useful emails but never makes eye contact. His contribution is fine. It’s just... Travis. I still don’t know if I’d trust him to water plants, let alone back me up in a murder plot.
Narration is a mixed bag. Emily Ellet absolutely nails Mandy’s energy. That dry, just-barely-holding-it-together tone is pitch-perfect. Female voices overall? Clear, distinct, believable. Betty the Bag Lady sounds like someone who files conspiracy theories at the DMV and occasionally solves cold cases in her spare time. Iconic. But the male voices are a blur of sleepy baritones that all sound vaguely like someone doing a bad impression of every ex-boyfriend you’ve ever ghosted. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does make group scenes feel like one man playing six roles in a trench coat.
Pacing starts slow. Like, secondhand embarrassment slow. Mandy spends the early chapters poking around with no real momentum and everyone’s treating her like that one friend who reads too many true crime blogs. But once we hit the midpoint, the mystery sharpens. Mandy gets reckless. Suspects start cracking. One character tries to charm his way out of being suspicious and ends up sounding even more suspicious. Classic cozy chaos.
The ending is satisfying enough. The killer reveal works, even if it doesn’t slap the way some of the earlier books did. Still, it’s got that classic Dyer rhythm. A little danger, a little banter, a little “how did we get here again,” followed by an oddly sweet closing scene that reminds you this is a woman who just wants to run her business and not die.
It’s not the best in the series. But if you’re already on the Dyer train, it’s a decent ride with a few fun detours and one or two solid side-eyes at men in tailored jackets. Three stars.
Whodunity Award: For Most Suspicious Use of Starch Outside of a Dateline Episode
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of Pressed to Kill. I may never look at a blazer the same way again, and honestly, that’s your fault.
Mandy Dyer is back and once again, murder has arrived on a hanger. The woman cannot run a dry-cleaning business without a corpse showing up and ruining everyone’s starch levels. This time, it’s poor Ardith Brewster, a regular client who recently swapped her usual “divorced bank manager” aesthetic for flirty prints and a new man. Mandy’s thrilled about the makeover... until Ardith turns up dead and the vibe in the breakroom plummets.
Then a second woman is found dead. Also stylish, also connected to Mandy’s shop. Suddenly Mandy’s not just removing mystery stains. She’s tracking a potential serial killer who apparently has a thing for chic, middle-aged women and upscale dry cleaning. Could this murderer be shopping her client list? Is that silk blouse harboring secrets? Why is everyone suddenly weird about denim? Mandy, as always, must investigate.
If you’re a Dyer series regular, you know Mandy usually cracks her cases with a combination of nosy intuition and literal garment-based evidence. This one dials back the fabric-forensics a bit. The clothes are still relevant, but they’re more of a mood board than a smoking gun. You’re not getting a “lipstick-on-the-collar solves the mystery” moment here. Instead, you’ll get Mandy spiraling through suspects with righteous fury and low patience, which honestly still delivers.
Now to the emotional sand trap that is Travis. He’s here. He’s not useless. He helps in small, PI-adjacent ways. But he’s not exactly a ride-or-die investigator. He’s more like your emotionally muted coworker who occasionally forwards useful emails but never makes eye contact. His contribution is fine. It’s just... Travis. I still don’t know if I’d trust him to water plants, let alone back me up in a murder plot.
Narration is a mixed bag. Emily Ellet absolutely nails Mandy’s energy. That dry, just-barely-holding-it-together tone is pitch-perfect. Female voices overall? Clear, distinct, believable. Betty the Bag Lady sounds like someone who files conspiracy theories at the DMV and occasionally solves cold cases in her spare time. Iconic. But the male voices are a blur of sleepy baritones that all sound vaguely like someone doing a bad impression of every ex-boyfriend you’ve ever ghosted. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does make group scenes feel like one man playing six roles in a trench coat.
Pacing starts slow. Like, secondhand embarrassment slow. Mandy spends the early chapters poking around with no real momentum and everyone’s treating her like that one friend who reads too many true crime blogs. But once we hit the midpoint, the mystery sharpens. Mandy gets reckless. Suspects start cracking. One character tries to charm his way out of being suspicious and ends up sounding even more suspicious. Classic cozy chaos.
The ending is satisfying enough. The killer reveal works, even if it doesn’t slap the way some of the earlier books did. Still, it’s got that classic Dyer rhythm. A little danger, a little banter, a little “how did we get here again,” followed by an oddly sweet closing scene that reminds you this is a woman who just wants to run her business and not die.
It’s not the best in the series. But if you’re already on the Dyer train, it’s a decent ride with a few fun detours and one or two solid side-eyes at men in tailored jackets. Three stars.
Whodunity Award: For Most Suspicious Use of Starch Outside of a Dateline Episode
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of Pressed to Kill. I may never look at a blazer the same way again, and honestly, that’s your fault.
September 17, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC. in audiobook format.
Dolores Johnson’s eighth installment in the Mandy Dyer Mystery series is a delightful romp through Denver’s dry-cleaning scene—yes, you read that right.
Mandy Dyer, owner of Dyer’s Cleaners, finds herself tangled in a murder investigation when her customer Ardith Brewster turns up dead shortly after a wardrobe makeover and a mysterious new romance. When another customer meets a similar fate, Mandy’s sleuthing instincts kick in, and the starch really starts to fly.
Johnson’s writing is breezy and witty, with a cast of oddball characters that includes Mandy’s flamboyant mother (married six times), her eccentric employee Betty the Bag Lady, and a PI boyfriend who may or may not be trustworthy. The plot is laced with humor, red herrings, and just enough danger to keep things interesting without veering into darkness.
Emily Ellet's narration brings a crisp, expressive energy to the narration that suits the tone perfectly. Her voice work captures Mandy’s blend of sass and sincerity, while giving distinct personalities to the supporting cast—especially Betty, whose quirky cadence adds comic relief. Ellet’s pacing is well-calibrated, keeping the story buoyant without rushing the emotional beats. For listeners who value performance as part of the storytelling experience, Ellet’s narration elevates the cozy charm of the text.
While the premise may seem light, Johnson subtly weaves in themes of identity, reinvention, and trust. The dry-cleaning metaphor—pressing out wrinkles, uncovering stains—serves as a clever backdrop for Mandy’s emotional and investigative journey. It’s a cozy mystery with just enough grit to keep it from feeling saccharine.
For audiobook listeners who value emotional resonance, character nuance, and performance artistry-Pressed to Kill offers a satisfying blend of humor, intrigue, and voice-driven storytelling. It’s not a psychological deep dive, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a well-pressed, well-paced mystery that knows exactly what it’s doing.
My first book from this author definitely won't be my last!
Dolores Johnson’s eighth installment in the Mandy Dyer Mystery series is a delightful romp through Denver’s dry-cleaning scene—yes, you read that right.
Mandy Dyer, owner of Dyer’s Cleaners, finds herself tangled in a murder investigation when her customer Ardith Brewster turns up dead shortly after a wardrobe makeover and a mysterious new romance. When another customer meets a similar fate, Mandy’s sleuthing instincts kick in, and the starch really starts to fly.
Johnson’s writing is breezy and witty, with a cast of oddball characters that includes Mandy’s flamboyant mother (married six times), her eccentric employee Betty the Bag Lady, and a PI boyfriend who may or may not be trustworthy. The plot is laced with humor, red herrings, and just enough danger to keep things interesting without veering into darkness.
Emily Ellet's narration brings a crisp, expressive energy to the narration that suits the tone perfectly. Her voice work captures Mandy’s blend of sass and sincerity, while giving distinct personalities to the supporting cast—especially Betty, whose quirky cadence adds comic relief. Ellet’s pacing is well-calibrated, keeping the story buoyant without rushing the emotional beats. For listeners who value performance as part of the storytelling experience, Ellet’s narration elevates the cozy charm of the text.
While the premise may seem light, Johnson subtly weaves in themes of identity, reinvention, and trust. The dry-cleaning metaphor—pressing out wrinkles, uncovering stains—serves as a clever backdrop for Mandy’s emotional and investigative journey. It’s a cozy mystery with just enough grit to keep it from feeling saccharine.
For audiobook listeners who value emotional resonance, character nuance, and performance artistry-Pressed to Kill offers a satisfying blend of humor, intrigue, and voice-driven storytelling. It’s not a psychological deep dive, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a well-pressed, well-paced mystery that knows exactly what it’s doing.
My first book from this author definitely won't be my last!
September 20, 2025
Out September 23rd, 2025 Book 8 of the Nancy Dyer series
Mandy Dyer never expected her dry-cleaning shop to double as a crime scene waiting to happen, but trouble seems to follow her like lint on a black coat. When one of her regular customers, Ardith Brewster, suddenly shows up with a dazzling new wardrobe and a mysterious new boyfriend, Mandy is delighted to see the usually reserved loan officer glowing with confidence. That glow doesn’t last long—days later, Ardith is found dead, and Mandy can’t shake the feeling that the stylish stranger in Ardith’s life may be the key to what happened.
The shock deepens when Mandy learns that another woman, also a customer at her cleaners and eerily similar in appearance to Ardith, was murdered not long before. Suddenly, the coincidence feels far too sharp to ignore. With only scraps of information and a vague description of a well-dressed man, Mandy finds herself piecing together clues from the very garments that pass through her shop. Each pressed shirt and tailored suit could be hiding a thread that leads straight to a killer.
Of course, Mandy isn’t exactly a seasoned detective—her instincts are fueled as much by curiosity as by courage. She’s aided (and occasionally hindered) by her eccentric employee, Betty the Bag Lady, whose unpredictable antics add both humor and chaos to the investigation. Between dodging skeptical police officers and trying to keep her business afloat, Mandy realizes she’s in far deeper than she intended. But once she starts pulling at the threads, she can’t stop.
As the danger closes in, Mandy must rely on her wits, her stubborn streak, and the unlikely clues hidden in her customers’ clothing to unmask a murderer. What began as a tragic loss for a friend quickly spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse, with Mandy herself in the crosshairs. In the end, the question isn’t just who killed Ardith—it’s whether Mandy can solve the mystery before she becomes the next name on the killer’s list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ALC!
Mandy Dyer never expected her dry-cleaning shop to double as a crime scene waiting to happen, but trouble seems to follow her like lint on a black coat. When one of her regular customers, Ardith Brewster, suddenly shows up with a dazzling new wardrobe and a mysterious new boyfriend, Mandy is delighted to see the usually reserved loan officer glowing with confidence. That glow doesn’t last long—days later, Ardith is found dead, and Mandy can’t shake the feeling that the stylish stranger in Ardith’s life may be the key to what happened.
The shock deepens when Mandy learns that another woman, also a customer at her cleaners and eerily similar in appearance to Ardith, was murdered not long before. Suddenly, the coincidence feels far too sharp to ignore. With only scraps of information and a vague description of a well-dressed man, Mandy finds herself piecing together clues from the very garments that pass through her shop. Each pressed shirt and tailored suit could be hiding a thread that leads straight to a killer.
Of course, Mandy isn’t exactly a seasoned detective—her instincts are fueled as much by curiosity as by courage. She’s aided (and occasionally hindered) by her eccentric employee, Betty the Bag Lady, whose unpredictable antics add both humor and chaos to the investigation. Between dodging skeptical police officers and trying to keep her business afloat, Mandy realizes she’s in far deeper than she intended. But once she starts pulling at the threads, she can’t stop.
As the danger closes in, Mandy must rely on her wits, her stubborn streak, and the unlikely clues hidden in her customers’ clothing to unmask a murderer. What began as a tragic loss for a friend quickly spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse, with Mandy herself in the crosshairs. In the end, the question isn’t just who killed Ardith—it’s whether Mandy can solve the mystery before she becomes the next name on the killer’s list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ALC!
September 26, 2025
Dolores Johnson’s Pressed to Kill is a clever, engaging cozy mystery that takes an ordinary setting—a local dry cleaner—and transforms it into the backdrop for murder and intrigue. The premise is immediately intriguing: someone is targeting the shop’s customers, and as the bodies begin to pile up, the hunt for the killer turns a familiar small-town business into the center of a dangerous puzzle.
What makes this story shine is the warmth and charm woven throughout the mystery. Johnson populates her book with a delightful cast of characters, each of them distinct and memorable, giving the narrative that inviting “small community” feel that cozy mystery readers love. These characters aren’t just background players; they’re people you want to get to know better, with quirks, personalities, and secrets that make the investigation all the more entertaining.
The murder mystery itself is well-crafted, balancing suspense with lighthearted moments to keep the tone consistent with the cozy genre. Johnson’s pacing ensures that the tension builds gradually while still allowing time to enjoy the humor, relationships, and everyday interactions that give the book its charm. Every new clue and twist pulls you deeper into the story, inviting you to guess at the killer’s identity while still being surprised by the reveal.
What’s particularly enjoyable about Pressed to Kill is how Johnson merges the cozy genre’s warmth with an inventive and unusual premise. A dry-cleaning business might seem like an unlikely place for murder, but she makes it work brilliantly, turning the everyday into something mysterious and intriguing.
Overall, Pressed to Kill is a fun, well-plotted cozy mystery full of charm, suspense, and engaging characters. Dolores Johnson proves that she knows how to deliver both comfort and thrills in equal measure. Fans of the genre will find plenty to love here, and newcomers may find themselves hooked on her inviting storytelling style.
What makes this story shine is the warmth and charm woven throughout the mystery. Johnson populates her book with a delightful cast of characters, each of them distinct and memorable, giving the narrative that inviting “small community” feel that cozy mystery readers love. These characters aren’t just background players; they’re people you want to get to know better, with quirks, personalities, and secrets that make the investigation all the more entertaining.
The murder mystery itself is well-crafted, balancing suspense with lighthearted moments to keep the tone consistent with the cozy genre. Johnson’s pacing ensures that the tension builds gradually while still allowing time to enjoy the humor, relationships, and everyday interactions that give the book its charm. Every new clue and twist pulls you deeper into the story, inviting you to guess at the killer’s identity while still being surprised by the reveal.
What’s particularly enjoyable about Pressed to Kill is how Johnson merges the cozy genre’s warmth with an inventive and unusual premise. A dry-cleaning business might seem like an unlikely place for murder, but she makes it work brilliantly, turning the everyday into something mysterious and intriguing.
Overall, Pressed to Kill is a fun, well-plotted cozy mystery full of charm, suspense, and engaging characters. Dolores Johnson proves that she knows how to deliver both comfort and thrills in equal measure. Fans of the genre will find plenty to love here, and newcomers may find themselves hooked on her inviting storytelling style.
September 17, 2025
2.5 stars
As a mystery, this one was just fine. It kept me entertained enough to want to see how things would turn out, but it lacked the full tension and drama usually found in the genre. The main character, Mandy, was also fine, but I never felt invested in her or in her determination to solve the crime. At times, it even seemed like Mandy herself wasn’t particularly driven, which made it harder to care about the plot.
One element that baffled me was the emphasis on jeans.... They were talked about as if they were some kind of embarrassing fashion choice no stylish person would be caught in. The concept felt heavily outdated and a little odd given the character's ages and the setting of the plot. I was also disappointed that much of the clue-connecting seemed to come from men or other people rather than Mandy herself.
I listened to the audiobook via an ALC from NetGalley. The narrator did a solid job overall, though the male voices were less distinct. They all carried the same deep, raspy, almost lethargic/ bored tone, which made the characters blur together.
While the story wasn’t particularly thrilling, it was still engaging enough to finish. The ending wrapped up the mystery but left me wishing for a little more punch.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC.
As a mystery, this one was just fine. It kept me entertained enough to want to see how things would turn out, but it lacked the full tension and drama usually found in the genre. The main character, Mandy, was also fine, but I never felt invested in her or in her determination to solve the crime. At times, it even seemed like Mandy herself wasn’t particularly driven, which made it harder to care about the plot.
One element that baffled me was the emphasis on jeans.... They were talked about as if they were some kind of embarrassing fashion choice no stylish person would be caught in. The concept felt heavily outdated and a little odd given the character's ages and the setting of the plot. I was also disappointed that much of the clue-connecting seemed to come from men or other people rather than Mandy herself.
I listened to the audiobook via an ALC from NetGalley. The narrator did a solid job overall, though the male voices were less distinct. They all carried the same deep, raspy, almost lethargic/ bored tone, which made the characters blur together.
While the story wasn’t particularly thrilling, it was still engaging enough to finish. The ending wrapped up the mystery but left me wishing for a little more punch.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC.
September 19, 2025
I cannot recommend this book. "Pressed to Kill" by Dolores Johnson centers on Mandy Dyer, a no-nonsense dry cleaning business owner. When two of her customers are murdered, she suspects a connection and takes it upon herself to investigate. The book is actually the eighth installment in a series, though this wasn't indicated in the description. I approached it as a standalone novel.
This story had numerous flaws. Mandy consistently revealed her investigation to too many people, making her actions laughably indiscreet. She repeatedly jumped to conclusions with unwarranted confidence, only to be proven wrong. Her arrogance became increasingly irritating as the story progressed. My trust in her judgment diminished with each false accusation she made against various men. While I understand she's an amateur detective, her decision-making was frustratingly poor. The supporting characters were equally grating. Though plot-driven, the book would have benefited significantly from developing Mandy's investigative abilities and interpersonal skills.
The narration left much to be desired. While Emily Ellet portrayed the female characters adequately, her male character voices were indistinguishable from one another and sounded artificial.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This story had numerous flaws. Mandy consistently revealed her investigation to too many people, making her actions laughably indiscreet. She repeatedly jumped to conclusions with unwarranted confidence, only to be proven wrong. Her arrogance became increasingly irritating as the story progressed. My trust in her judgment diminished with each false accusation she made against various men. While I understand she's an amateur detective, her decision-making was frustratingly poor. The supporting characters were equally grating. Though plot-driven, the book would have benefited significantly from developing Mandy's investigative abilities and interpersonal skills.
The narration left much to be desired. While Emily Ellet portrayed the female characters adequately, her male character voices were indistinguishable from one another and sounded artificial.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️ | 2 stars
I enjoyed the concept of this mystery, but the execution was lacking unfortunately.
Mandy is a tough FMC to like to be honest. I found her relationships with every other character to be 2D at best and she doesn’t seem to enjoy anyone in her life, except Mac, who she still keeps at an arm’s length. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Travis, is especially confusing as it doesn’t seem like she even likes him.
It wasn’t advertised that this is part of a very long series, and while I wasn’t confused necessarily, there are MANY references to previous books throughout. This is a personal preference, but I prefer to know that information going into a book.
My biggest gripe is the narrator. The voice she used as the FMC was fine, but the voices she did for every other character — particularly the male characters — were weird caricatures of how actual people sound. Not to mention, every male character had the same deep, nasal voice so I struggled to keep track of the dialogue. It took me out of the story immediately and I probably would have DNFd if this wasn’t an ALC.
The way the mystery wrapped up left me wanting more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC.
I enjoyed the concept of this mystery, but the execution was lacking unfortunately.
Mandy is a tough FMC to like to be honest. I found her relationships with every other character to be 2D at best and she doesn’t seem to enjoy anyone in her life, except Mac, who she still keeps at an arm’s length. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Travis, is especially confusing as it doesn’t seem like she even likes him.
It wasn’t advertised that this is part of a very long series, and while I wasn’t confused necessarily, there are MANY references to previous books throughout. This is a personal preference, but I prefer to know that information going into a book.
My biggest gripe is the narrator. The voice she used as the FMC was fine, but the voices she did for every other character — particularly the male characters — were weird caricatures of how actual people sound. Not to mention, every male character had the same deep, nasal voice so I struggled to keep track of the dialogue. It took me out of the story immediately and I probably would have DNFd if this wasn’t an ALC.
The way the mystery wrapped up left me wanting more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC.
September 15, 2025
“Pressed to Kill” is the 8th book in the Mandy Dyer Mystery series. If you are like me and not familiar with this cozy series, Mandy is a dry cleaner and solves mysteries.
One of Mandy’s customers is murdered. She had recently confided in Mandy that she had found love in one of Mandy’s other customers. Mandy is determined to find which one of her customers is a murderer.
The book originally was released in May of 2025. The audiobook is coming out months later.
This is a cozy mystery. Some cozies are the equivalent of a Hallmark movie. Not bad and easy to enjoy, but not much substance and something to do to waste some time. Others try to honor Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, etc. This is more of the Hallmark variety. Not much to it, but a fine way to kill some time.
As far as the audiobook, I’m sure that Emily Ellet is a fine narrator for deeper books, but her voices for the men, in particular, felt like nails on a chalkboard. For you younger readers, nails on a chalkboard are cringe.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
One of Mandy’s customers is murdered. She had recently confided in Mandy that she had found love in one of Mandy’s other customers. Mandy is determined to find which one of her customers is a murderer.
The book originally was released in May of 2025. The audiobook is coming out months later.
This is a cozy mystery. Some cozies are the equivalent of a Hallmark movie. Not bad and easy to enjoy, but not much substance and something to do to waste some time. Others try to honor Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, etc. This is more of the Hallmark variety. Not much to it, but a fine way to kill some time.
As far as the audiobook, I’m sure that Emily Ellet is a fine narrator for deeper books, but her voices for the men, in particular, felt like nails on a chalkboard. For you younger readers, nails on a chalkboard are cringe.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 20, 2026
Wow! A fitting end to a wonderful series - she started the series with Stan and ended with her high school flame (if you will). Nat & Laura eloped to escape Mandy's mom and her meddling - to the point whereupon hearing Cecelia wants to do the reception, Nat decided he may stay in Hawaii and work for the Honolulu Gazette! A friendly banker who happens to be a customer of Mandy's started coming in with non-banker clothes (such as floral dresses) then winds up dead in her home. Mandy gets suspicious as the woman mentioned meeting the guy at the cleaner's open house, then Mandy finds out that OTHERS have met their man at the cleaners and were killed. She learns with Betty's assistance that one suspicious man was actually a NARC agent, a customer was a drug dealer, and another person gave her the killer's idea. She would have died if not for her boyfriend, who was speaking to her on the phone at the moment. Mandy called the police, who arrived with her beau while Betty restrained him.! Fortunately, Stan was MIA!
September 19, 2025
This review is for the audio version of the book, narrated by Emily Ellet.
This was just OK for me.
Following Mandy, owner of a busy dry cleaning business in downtown Denver, as she starts looking in to the death of one of her regular customers.
She's invested in this because she'd just seen the customer days before, and they were discussing the woman's plans to spend a weekend in with her new, secret, boyfriend.
I'm a big fan of the "cozy" sub-genre of mysteries. They're silly and lighthearted with eccentric and lovable characters with absurd plots. This ticks most of the boxes for me.
Except Mandy can be kind of a jerk to everyone around her who is either her employees or her friends and family. She flips from hot to cold from sentence to sentence and she just seems annoyed by everyone in her orbit.
It kind of killed the vibe.
It's not bad, but it's not a series I'd continue to seek out.
This was just OK for me.
Following Mandy, owner of a busy dry cleaning business in downtown Denver, as she starts looking in to the death of one of her regular customers.
She's invested in this because she'd just seen the customer days before, and they were discussing the woman's plans to spend a weekend in with her new, secret, boyfriend.
I'm a big fan of the "cozy" sub-genre of mysteries. They're silly and lighthearted with eccentric and lovable characters with absurd plots. This ticks most of the boxes for me.
Except Mandy can be kind of a jerk to everyone around her who is either her employees or her friends and family. She flips from hot to cold from sentence to sentence and she just seems annoyed by everyone in her orbit.
It kind of killed the vibe.
It's not bad, but it's not a series I'd continue to seek out.
September 22, 2025
3.5/5
This was fun!
I did find the first 20-ish% to be quite slow, but then it really sped up once the real mystery started. And then I was very entertained.
This has a murder mystery and an identity mystery, and all surrounding a dry-cleaning business. (It kind of reminds me of the current season of Only Murders in the Building - sorry if that's a spoiler for episode 2.)
I found our main character Mandy to be funny and entertaining, I thought she always had fun responses to those that annoyed her.
There were lots of fun moments and I was entertained by the characters and the mysteries.
This is a slightly cozier mystery but not low-stakes in that usual sense.
I will be looking out for more books in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This was fun!
I did find the first 20-ish% to be quite slow, but then it really sped up once the real mystery started. And then I was very entertained.
This has a murder mystery and an identity mystery, and all surrounding a dry-cleaning business. (It kind of reminds me of the current season of Only Murders in the Building - sorry if that's a spoiler for episode 2.)
I found our main character Mandy to be funny and entertaining, I thought she always had fun responses to those that annoyed her.
There were lots of fun moments and I was entertained by the characters and the mysteries.
This is a slightly cozier mystery but not low-stakes in that usual sense.
I will be looking out for more books in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
September 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pressed to Kill by Dolores Johnson is a cozy mystery with a fun and refreshing twist. Claire, the owner of a dry-cleaning shop, suddenly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, and I loved how the author wove everyday details of her business into the suspense. It gave the mystery such a unique and clever feel.
The audiobook narration was excellent—Claire’s voice felt warm and relatable, and the pacing made it easy to stay engaged. The narrator really captured the tone of the story and pulled me right into the twists and turns.
If you’re a fan of small-town settings, likable characters, and cozy mysteries that keep you guessing without ever getting too dark, this audiobook is definitely worth a listen.
Pressed to Kill by Dolores Johnson is a cozy mystery with a fun and refreshing twist. Claire, the owner of a dry-cleaning shop, suddenly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, and I loved how the author wove everyday details of her business into the suspense. It gave the mystery such a unique and clever feel.
The audiobook narration was excellent—Claire’s voice felt warm and relatable, and the pacing made it easy to stay engaged. The narrator really captured the tone of the story and pulled me right into the twists and turns.
If you’re a fan of small-town settings, likable characters, and cozy mysteries that keep you guessing without ever getting too dark, this audiobook is definitely worth a listen.
September 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc.
If you like a misfit gang of amateur sleuths trying to take down a murderer, then look no further. A customer of the Dyers Dry Cleaning company has been found murdered. Owner Mandy is determined to figure out who did it because Ardith, the victim, was her customer who met the man of her dreams at the open house that was put on by the dry cleaners. Mandy felt she owed Ardith and her other customers that much. She didn't want people to associate that with her business. Read along and find out what Mandy and Betty, the bag lady, uncover on their adventure to the truth.
I enjoyed this book a lot and laughed out loud with Betty's antics.
If you like a misfit gang of amateur sleuths trying to take down a murderer, then look no further. A customer of the Dyers Dry Cleaning company has been found murdered. Owner Mandy is determined to figure out who did it because Ardith, the victim, was her customer who met the man of her dreams at the open house that was put on by the dry cleaners. Mandy felt she owed Ardith and her other customers that much. She didn't want people to associate that with her business. Read along and find out what Mandy and Betty, the bag lady, uncover on their adventure to the truth.
I enjoyed this book a lot and laughed out loud with Betty's antics.
September 21, 2025
I’ve read a lot of cozy mysteries, but “dry cleaner mystery” is a new one for me. It was an interesting perspective. I felt like I learned some things about western wear as well as dry cleaning. The end of the book includes practical garment cleaning tips. The mystery itself was interesting with several twists. Although this is book 8, I didn’t have any problem following the story even though I haven’t read anything else from the series.
NOTE: This is book 8 in a series but can be read as a standalone.
NOTE: This is book 8 in a series but can be read as a standalone.
September 26, 2025
As part of a series of which I’ve read none this worked well as a standalone. There are references to past things but nothing that meant I couldn’t follow or had gaps in this plot.
The plot itself was good once it got going. I felt it did take a while but then it was full of action and plot twists.
The pace of narration was good but I it wasn’t my favourite narration for characters. Some of them felt a little too harsh. That maybe a difference from US to UK and perhaps wouldn’t come across the same for all listeners.
Overall I enjoyed.
The plot itself was good once it got going. I felt it did take a while but then it was full of action and plot twists.
The pace of narration was good but I it wasn’t my favourite narration for characters. Some of them felt a little too harsh. That maybe a difference from US to UK and perhaps wouldn’t come across the same for all listeners.
Overall I enjoyed.
Read
September 27, 2025A serial killer killing women who go to Mandy Dyers' cleaner, ofcourse Mandy had to find out who it was to save her business. and as usual, she had Betty and her mom helping or hindering her investigation. I like cozy mysteries with serial killers as they add another layer of thriller and this was no exception. By the way, I admire Mac. He is old but he still goes to lengths to protect Mandy. I love his and Mandy's bond. This time I couldnt guess the killer so I was entertained till the end and I really enjoyed it.
November 4, 2025
This was a very low priority read for me. The mystery was interesting enough but one that was easy to put down and not think much of. It did hold my curiosity enough for me to continue through to the end but it wasn’t this quick paced, crazy mystery. The killer was not obvious really until the end of the book which was good because in that way it wasn’t super predictable. It just lacked the wow factor that would garner it a four or five star rating. Nothing really wrong with it but just another run of the mill mystery.
August 6, 2023
Mandy Dyer owns a dry cleaning business near Denver and when one of her customers is murdered and then she discovers another customer was a victim of the same killer, she decides to investigate. How she ends up finding the killer makes for a great story. The characters were really real to life, especially Betty. The killer was a total surprise and made for a great ending. Did think Mandy was not as careful as she should have been but overall a good read.
Read
January 13, 2021Mandy Dyer is an inquisitive dry cleaner. When she realizes that several of her customers have been murdered she can't help but investigate. I enjoy her determination and array of devoted friends. And the vision of her dry cleaner van around town, especially at one of the late night stops made me smile.
September 22, 2025
This was a fun, fast paced cozy mystery perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan. Mandy Dyer is sharp, witty, and totally relatable as a dry-cleaning shop owner turned amateur sleuth. The audiobook was entertaining, although I didn't love the narrator's "male" voices. Overall this was a light, clever whodunit with just enough danger to keep things exciting.
September 24, 2025
Very easy to read and entertaining story. The characters were fun and diverse. The vilian motive was a bit more complex and culdn't get deper for this tipe of genre, in my opinion, but still was interesting. Thank you #netgalley for the copy of this book.
January 20, 2026
This was a fun little murder mystery. I did get lost a few times when previous book antics were brought up but that's no fault of the book. I would read another Dolores Johnson in the future if I want a fast "dry-cleaner" murder shenanigans book.
September 6, 2018
Mysterious death of a dry cleaning customer sends Mandy to investigate who the killer customer is. Cute cozy mystery similar to Stephanie Plum books. Light reading.
December 11, 2019
I know I read it but it is not really my type of book. not the genres I want in a book.
March 2, 2022
Like other books by author. The killer was so hidden and not revealed til end.
April 4, 2024
The main character was such a downer and rude to most of her friends
October 27, 2025
🧼💀 Pressed to Kill by Dolores Johnson is a deliciously twisted mystery that had me hooked from the first chapter—and I didn’t even realize it was part of a series! This is book eight in the Mandy Dyer mystery collection, but trust me, you can dive right in without missing a beat. I devoured it in one sitting, and now I’m racing to add the rest of the series to my TBR!
Mandy, our sharp and spirited protagonist, runs a dry cleaning business that’s usually more starch than scandal—until one of her customers, Ardith, starts dropping off stylish new outfits and hinting at a budding romance. Mandy is thrilled for her, especially when she learns Ardith met the mystery man at the cleaners. But the excitement turns to horror when Mandy reads a news article the next morning: Ardith has been murdered in her home, the very night she was supposed to be with her new boyfriend.
Chills. Literal chills.
Determined to uncover the truth, Mandy starts digging through her customer base, hoping to identify Ardith’s secret date. What she finds instead is a disturbing pattern—another woman, another murder, eerily similar circumstances. The deeper Mandy goes, the more tangled the threads become, and the more urgent the mystery feels. Someone is targeting women, and Mandy knows she has to unravel the truth before another life is lost.
The suspense is perfectly paced, the twists are sharp, and the sense of danger builds with every chapter. Johnson’s writing is clever and immersive, and the audiobook narration was spot on. The narrator brought every scene to life with seamless emotion and tension—I couldn’t stop listening.
This book is a steaming, high-stakes adventure with just the right amount of grit and glamour. If you love cozy mysteries with a dark edge, a smart heroine, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, Pressed to Kill is an absolute must-read.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the chance to review this gem. I’m officially obsessed—and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series!
Mandy, our sharp and spirited protagonist, runs a dry cleaning business that’s usually more starch than scandal—until one of her customers, Ardith, starts dropping off stylish new outfits and hinting at a budding romance. Mandy is thrilled for her, especially when she learns Ardith met the mystery man at the cleaners. But the excitement turns to horror when Mandy reads a news article the next morning: Ardith has been murdered in her home, the very night she was supposed to be with her new boyfriend.
Chills. Literal chills.
Determined to uncover the truth, Mandy starts digging through her customer base, hoping to identify Ardith’s secret date. What she finds instead is a disturbing pattern—another woman, another murder, eerily similar circumstances. The deeper Mandy goes, the more tangled the threads become, and the more urgent the mystery feels. Someone is targeting women, and Mandy knows she has to unravel the truth before another life is lost.
The suspense is perfectly paced, the twists are sharp, and the sense of danger builds with every chapter. Johnson’s writing is clever and immersive, and the audiobook narration was spot on. The narrator brought every scene to life with seamless emotion and tension—I couldn’t stop listening.
This book is a steaming, high-stakes adventure with just the right amount of grit and glamour. If you love cozy mysteries with a dark edge, a smart heroine, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, Pressed to Kill is an absolute must-read.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the chance to review this gem. I’m officially obsessed—and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews