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Port Danby #6
Dahlias and Death
Lacey Pinkerton and the town of Port Danby are preparing for the annual Fourth of July celebration at Pickford Marina. Lacey's parents are coming to stay for the week. Lacey and her friends at the Port Danby Garden Club are excited to set up a fundraising booth at the festivities. But the patriotic celebration is cut short when one of the club members is found dead. While her trusted and handsome partner Detective Briggs is dealing with a personal issue, the unexpected return of his ex-wife, Lacey works hard to tamp down the disappointment and find the killer.
Full-length novel ~50,000 words
Full-length novel ~50,000 words
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2018
178 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 19, 2020
If you'd like to know how an author turns 12 pages of material into 200 pages; this is the book for you.
I also recommend it for people with short term memory problems. If you forgot what happened on a page, no worries; it will be said again two pages later.
This is the 6th in a series. The first three were good, so I bought the whole series. Lesson learned. Do not buy more than three ahead. Taking a vacation from Port Danby. I'll come back, someday.
I also recommend it for people with short term memory problems. If you forgot what happened on a page, no worries; it will be said again two pages later.
This is the 6th in a series. The first three were good, so I bought the whole series. Lesson learned. Do not buy more than three ahead. Taking a vacation from Port Danby. I'll come back, someday.
July 4, 2023
Dahlias & Death is the 6th book in the Port Danby series and is without a doubt, my favorite thus far (and poetically, dahlias are my favorite flower). Not only was the mystery intriguing and the setting fabulously festive, but the relationship between Lacey and Detective Briggs finally progressed into something more…and oh how sweet it was. We also get to see kind-hearted Ryder finally get his chance (or second chance) with capricious Lola.
Dahlia’s & Death takes place over the Fourth of July weekend with all it’s patriotic festivities, and since I’m reading it during that same time period, I enjoyed it all the more! Mom and dad Pinkerton are in town for the weekend and they are a handful and a hoot! They become fast friends with Elsie and her brother, Lester, and while they are together, Lacey escapes for a meeting with the Garden Club, which she recently joined. The tension and hostilities are thick between the members, and later, when a member is found dead, all of the members are suspects.
There is a lot going on in this story that adds interest to the plot. We have a surprise visitor from Dash and James’ past, a new friendship between Lacey’s parents and her shop neighbors, in addition to their good-hearted meddling. We have a perplexing mystery, two developing romantic relationships, and more backstory into our two male leads.
The Port Danby books are so atmospheric and fun that they are a pleasure to read at any time of year. But when reading them during the corresponding season or holiday, they are all the better. I greatly appreciate the way the author doesn’t draw out a love triangle indefinitely, but allows a relationship to progress in a natural time frame. Lacey’s banter with the other characters is also a favorite and truly shines in this story. Her quick wit and comedic comments make me laugh; she is the kind of person I’d love to know in real life.
Dahlias & Death is a gem and a joy to read, and this series is fast becoming one of my favorite cozy mysteries. I’ll definitely be reading the next book, set during a scorching summer, next month…talk about fiction reflecting reality!
Dahlia’s & Death takes place over the Fourth of July weekend with all it’s patriotic festivities, and since I’m reading it during that same time period, I enjoyed it all the more! Mom and dad Pinkerton are in town for the weekend and they are a handful and a hoot! They become fast friends with Elsie and her brother, Lester, and while they are together, Lacey escapes for a meeting with the Garden Club, which she recently joined. The tension and hostilities are thick between the members, and later, when a member is found dead, all of the members are suspects.
There is a lot going on in this story that adds interest to the plot. We have a surprise visitor from Dash and James’ past, a new friendship between Lacey’s parents and her shop neighbors, in addition to their good-hearted meddling. We have a perplexing mystery, two developing romantic relationships, and more backstory into our two male leads.
The Port Danby books are so atmospheric and fun that they are a pleasure to read at any time of year. But when reading them during the corresponding season or holiday, they are all the better. I greatly appreciate the way the author doesn’t draw out a love triangle indefinitely, but allows a relationship to progress in a natural time frame. Lacey’s banter with the other characters is also a favorite and truly shines in this story. Her quick wit and comedic comments make me laugh; she is the kind of person I’d love to know in real life.
Dahlias & Death is a gem and a joy to read, and this series is fast becoming one of my favorite cozy mysteries. I’ll definitely be reading the next book, set during a scorching summer, next month…talk about fiction reflecting reality!
December 28, 2021
I really wish I could do partial stars on here. This is a 3.5 star book for me.
I liked the murder mystery a lot this time. It wasn't a big part of the book but it was interesting and the big twist was not out of no where but unexpected.
I thought Lacey's parents, they were funny and real and just fresh.
So why it's not more stars.
1. Lovette is really drawing out the Hawksworth murder story. I would like to see Lacey having to go through the Historical Society, maybe run by the Mayor. Right now she's stumbling on the evidence.
2. The James/Lacey romance had a wrench. His ex wife comes to town, (that's not a spoiler it's in the book description). If this series were longer in word count the separation would be a balance, but really come on.
3. The part of the book that brought it from a 4.5 to 3.5 is Lacey. The way she treats both Dash and James when James's ex comes to town is just childish and mean. Especially towards Dash. She doesn't want to date him but gets jealous when she see him with her. It didn't go on much farther after it got really annoying, but it really put me off.
I still love the series and am looking forward to the first mystery out of Port Danny.
I liked the murder mystery a lot this time. It wasn't a big part of the book but it was interesting and the big twist was not out of no where but unexpected.
I thought Lacey's parents, they were funny and real and just fresh.
So why it's not more stars.
1. Lovette is really drawing out the Hawksworth murder story. I would like to see Lacey having to go through the Historical Society, maybe run by the Mayor. Right now she's stumbling on the evidence.
2. The James/Lacey romance had a wrench. His ex wife comes to town, (that's not a spoiler it's in the book description). If this series were longer in word count the separation would be a balance, but really come on.
3. The part of the book that brought it from a 4.5 to 3.5 is Lacey. The way she treats both Dash and James when James's ex comes to town is just childish and mean. Especially towards Dash. She doesn't want to date him but gets jealous when she see him with her. It didn't go on much farther after it got really annoying, but it really put me off.
I still love the series and am looking forward to the first mystery out of Port Danny.
July 9, 2018
Dahlias and Death was a really good book in this series as it reveals two big secrets-having nothing to do with a murder that takes place on the 4th of July! I was so glad to get to reconnect with Lacey, Briggs, Dash, Lola, Ryder- her assistant in the flower shop, and of course all her friends. In this book we get to meet Lacey's parents which come for the Fourth of July weekend. I loved their part in this book.
At her first visit to The Garden Club, Lacey is treated to all kinds of animosity between a couple of the members! In her "detective mode", she stores it away in her mind! Once her parents show up, things start heating up and all kinds of events occur which causes so much angst! In the midst of all this Lacey's mom tries matchmaking Lacey with Dash!
The plot twists and turns right up to the murder of a woman in the Garden Club booth at the fireworks display. Lacey and Briggs check everything out and are back on the case, although Lacey is a little bit upset with Briggs. You will have to read to find out why.
I love this whole series and hope it never ends-it is everything you could want in a series, and each book I got more invested in the people in it, their funny traditions, and how quick the community was to welcome Lacey to their small town by the sea. I loved how this book ended and can't wait for more about Lacey, Briggs, Evermore her cat, and Kingston her crow! I gave this book a 5*****star rating!
At her first visit to The Garden Club, Lacey is treated to all kinds of animosity between a couple of the members! In her "detective mode", she stores it away in her mind! Once her parents show up, things start heating up and all kinds of events occur which causes so much angst! In the midst of all this Lacey's mom tries matchmaking Lacey with Dash!
The plot twists and turns right up to the murder of a woman in the Garden Club booth at the fireworks display. Lacey and Briggs check everything out and are back on the case, although Lacey is a little bit upset with Briggs. You will have to read to find out why.
I love this whole series and hope it never ends-it is everything you could want in a series, and each book I got more invested in the people in it, their funny traditions, and how quick the community was to welcome Lacey to their small town by the sea. I loved how this book ended and can't wait for more about Lacey, Briggs, Evermore her cat, and Kingston her crow! I gave this book a 5*****star rating!
July 14, 2020
Mom and I loves books the can become synonyms with the Holidays and something we can read every time that specific time of year comes around. What we are saying is that we will definitely be rereading this one every time the 4th of July comes around, though to be far we may reread even when it is not the 4th of July.
These books just keep getting better and better, First of we get to meet Lacey's parents. They are such funny and wonderful people, not perfect, but still they truly care about Lacey. We also learn that Kingston is in love with the Fruit loops Bird, such a cute little detailed that we had to add into the review.
Secondly Lacey and James relationship seems to be progressing and how their relationship takes a big turn in this book, in that a. Jame's ex comes into town and b. we finally learn why Dash and James don't like each other, an can we just say that it was worth the wait. Not that we thought the author would let us down, but just that the reason James does not like Dash is actually a very real adult reason and not just some slight back in high school .
Thirdly there is a murder of course and Lacey and James have to solve it which is just ice on the cake.
We have already started Peonies and Poison.
These books just keep getting better and better, First of we get to meet Lacey's parents. They are such funny and wonderful people, not perfect, but still they truly care about Lacey. We also learn that Kingston is in love with the Fruit loops Bird, such a cute little detailed that we had to add into the review.
Secondly Lacey and James relationship seems to be progressing and how their relationship takes a big turn in this book, in that a. Jame's ex comes into town and b. we finally learn why Dash and James don't like each other, an can we just say that it was worth the wait. Not that we thought the author would let us down, but just that the reason James does not like Dash is actually a very real adult reason and not just some slight back in high school .
Thirdly there is a murder of course and Lacey and James have to solve it which is just ice on the cake.
We have already started Peonies and Poison.
March 14, 2021
Pink is trying to come to an understanding of what is between her and Detective Briggs. When they seem to be getting close, he draws back - so are they just friends or what? Her parents are coming to visit for a week. Briggs has asked her to the Fourth of July fireworks display. They go to the festival the day before and she learns that women make picnic baskets that are bid on by the men. Knowing her assistant Ryder is taking her best friend she drags her to the market to buy materials to make a picnic basket. There's not much left and they plan on using baskets from Lola's shop. Pink's mother ends of taking over and making Pink's sandwiches and such to go in the basket. Then Pink discovers that the buyer of the basket eats with the maker. She nearly freaks - afraid no one will buy her basket. She and Lola also run into a beautiful woman at the store, who turns out to be from Briggs' past. He is just about to kiss her when he sees the woman and Lacey is utterly forgotten - and furious. The garden club is having a stand to sell herbs at the Fourth celebration and one of the members of the Garden Club is killed. So, Lacey has to work with Briggs on the investigation. The one member of the garden club that everyone likes is the one killed, so no one has any clues on why......
March 12, 2021
Okay. I must say the whole thing with how Lacey reacted to Briggs's ex-wife being in town was a little weird. Like, she literally shut down and shut Briggs out without giving him a chance to explain anything. IMO, he didn't do anything to cause that sort of reaction. At least nothing that couldn't have been easily resolved by a quick conversation. But okay. It happened.
As for the murder...well, people die and Lacey (and Briggs) tend to be there to figure out the whys and hows. This time, it's one of Lacey's new garden club compatriots and following the clues isn't all that easy.
As for Lacey and Briggs? Well, I think those two crazy kids will end up together in the end (at least I hope so!), so this is just a minor speed bump on the way to them finding their happiness.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
As for the murder...well, people die and Lacey (and Briggs) tend to be there to figure out the whys and hows. This time, it's one of Lacey's new garden club compatriots and following the clues isn't all that easy.
As for Lacey and Briggs? Well, I think those two crazy kids will end up together in the end (at least I hope so!), so this is just a minor speed bump on the way to them finding their happiness.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 30, 2020
Ma and Pa Pinkerton arrive in town for the annual flower festival and Fourth of July celebrations. Pink has joined the local gardening club, much to the amusement of Detective James Briggs, her partner in solving the town's murders!
James's ex arrives unexpectedly, ruining a special moment, why is she there and does she have anything to do with the feud between Dash and James.
When a member of the gardening club is murdered, Pink tries to solve the murder on her own as James is dealing with his ex, can their blossoming relationship overcome his ex's sudden appearance?
Can Pink's Mum get on with her friends, especially Elsie?
A wonderfully well written set of stand alone cozy mysteries set in Port Danby, easy to read with romance and laughs too. Well worth a read!
James's ex arrives unexpectedly, ruining a special moment, why is she there and does she have anything to do with the feud between Dash and James.
When a member of the gardening club is murdered, Pink tries to solve the murder on her own as James is dealing with his ex, can their blossoming relationship overcome his ex's sudden appearance?
Can Pink's Mum get on with her friends, especially Elsie?
A wonderfully well written set of stand alone cozy mysteries set in Port Danby, easy to read with romance and laughs too. Well worth a read!
April 8, 2020
I love this series, but I can usually guess the whodunnit. Maybe I'm just well versed in murder mysteries, this one I had a hunch, but was so distracted with the other things going on that I just knew it'd be a matter of time before it all came together. If I hadn't been rooting for a Briggs/Pink romance for 6 books I likely would have guessed it. Which has been somewhat disappointing for this series. BUT I still love reading them. They are my go to reading when I need to take a step back from the really crazy epic worlds! More of a simple, down to earth read for me. I will likely include a mini review in my April Booktube Wrap up, which I will link at the end of the month!
July 5, 2018
The celebrations go off with a bang
Great read. Her parents are coming to stay for a week and her first foray to the gardening club showed jealousy and pettiness. When the one of the members is shot, she and her Police Chief start investigating. Throw in his ex-wife, an unkempt date and a missing gun for a great read. Okay I did guess the culprit but the misunderstandings between her and the two most eligible men in town made this seem irrelevant. It's like revisiting old friends.
Great read. Her parents are coming to stay for a week and her first foray to the gardening club showed jealousy and pettiness. When the one of the members is shot, she and her Police Chief start investigating. Throw in his ex-wife, an unkempt date and a missing gun for a great read. Okay I did guess the culprit but the misunderstandings between her and the two most eligible men in town made this seem irrelevant. It's like revisiting old friends.
July 12, 2019
This book was a great read. Having read the others in this series, it is always welcome to reacquaint with these characters. This book went exceptionally fast for me, a definite strong contender for a beach read!!
Do yourself a favor and read these books. The characters are likable, there are the character relationships and issues, which by themselves make for good reading. However, in every book there is a murder. This one had interesting twists and turns. I found myself reading later into the night than I had intended, it was a great book!
Do yourself a favor and read these books. The characters are likable, there are the character relationships and issues, which by themselves make for good reading. However, in every book there is a murder. This one had interesting twists and turns. I found myself reading later into the night than I had intended, it was a great book!
January 31, 2019
These books are super fast to read. They are hard to put down.
4th of July is a let down after the handsome detective Briggs stands up Lacey. A person from Briggs’s past pops up and throws a wrench in Lacey and James’s budding relationship. A body turns up during the fireworks display and Pink and Briggs are on the trail of a cold-blooded murderer. Will we finally learn a terrible secret about Dash? Will Lacey get her lost kiss from Briggs back? Read to find out
4th of July is a let down after the handsome detective Briggs stands up Lacey. A person from Briggs’s past pops up and throws a wrench in Lacey and James’s budding relationship. A body turns up during the fireworks display and Pink and Briggs are on the trail of a cold-blooded murderer. Will we finally learn a terrible secret about Dash? Will Lacey get her lost kiss from Briggs back? Read to find out
February 27, 2019
Fun to read, likeable characters, moving at appropriate pace for a long series. Three small irritating things: spelling Pallet every time she wants to say palate, -and says it a lot- calling anybody owning a dog a mommy or a daddy, and taking a superiority condescending attitude on someone that once cheated, as if it was an unforgivable sin.
Other than that, quite predictable, but well written, and nice to read. Bought them all and will keep buying.
Other than that, quite predictable, but well written, and nice to read. Bought them all and will keep buying.
January 31, 2020
I can't say enough that I love this series! There is always a new mystery to be solved as well as the ongoing old mystery Pink is trying to resolve. We meet her parents in this one and things begin to change with a few characters relationships! Love how the series is going....love how things are not rushed so you can get to know the characters which makes them seem even more like old friends.
May 30, 2020
Okay, Dahlias and Death is my favorite book of the Port Danby series so far! I mean besides the great murder mystery, Pink and James FINALLY had a “date,” outside of solving murders. I am so excited to see their relationship develop beyond their detective relationship they have formed. I was also glad that we finally got a better look into the tension between Dash and Briggs, it really helps paint a better picture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2018
I loved it I loved it
Wow, what a great addition to this series!!! Parents visit,romance blossoms , ex shows up, a murder occurs and you wonder if it'll ever happen! The ending was a tease for more to come! Ms London Lovett please bring more of James and lacey soon!!! Wow an awesome book!
Wow, what a great addition to this series!!! Parents visit,romance blossoms , ex shows up, a murder occurs and you wonder if it'll ever happen! The ending was a tease for more to come! Ms London Lovett please bring more of James and lacey soon!!! Wow an awesome book!
April 20, 2020
Great read!!! Lacey's parents come to visit for a week and her mom sticks her nose into her love life. Another murder takes place and the murderer catches me by surprise. I love secondary character Lola and her crazy love life. The triangle between Dash and Detective James Briggs continues. This is a must read. Another great book in the series!
May 17, 2020
Great stories!!!
These first six books have really kept me going!! I could not wait to start the next. The only problem I have is six murders in such a small town in such a short period of time. The lead up, murders and then the solving were Great!!!
Thanks, Me Lovett
Brent Bills
These first six books have really kept me going!! I could not wait to start the next. The only problem I have is six murders in such a small town in such a short period of time. The lead up, murders and then the solving were Great!!!
Thanks, Me Lovett
Brent Bills
March 2, 2022
I read this in one sitting it was so good. Lacey’s parents come for a visit giving the book fresh and funny characters. We get a solution to the James, Dash and Lacey love triangle. Both James and Dash give Lacey insight to their past that created the animosity between them. Add in a murder. What a fun series.
October 28, 2022
Absolutely loved this one as with all the rest. The characters are moving right alone in their lives and I'm loving it. Don't want to leave any spoilers but love is in the air along with murder. The character developement is excellent, they come alive in the story and leave you wanting more about their lives. On to the next one.
March 31, 2024
These books are always a fun read and while the 5th book was my least favorite, this one bounced back up to 4 stars for me. I felt silly for not figuring out the murderer on this one, I blame the fact I read them while I'm on the treadmill *lol*
Also, not sure why Lacey froze Briggs out so quickly over Olivia but I'm just going to chalk that up to shock.
Also, not sure why Lacey froze Briggs out so quickly over Olivia but I'm just going to chalk that up to shock.
September 12, 2019
I really enjoyed it although I felt like I had read it before...? She and her fellow are officially and item and one long withstanding mystery is finally solved (between the detective and dashing neighbor).
July 9, 2020
Good mystery, not enough romance
I like the cozy mysteries because it includes a good mystery story accompanied by a good romance... well I have fead 6 books, the mystery part is good enough but the romance part is not.... :( Too disappointed, the story and the characters can give both things pretty well...
I like the cozy mysteries because it includes a good mystery story accompanied by a good romance... well I have fead 6 books, the mystery part is good enough but the romance part is not.... :( Too disappointed, the story and the characters can give both things pretty well...
August 16, 2018
Fun. Series!
This is truly just a fun series to read and has quickly become one of my favorites. I love the quirky town and characters and can't wait for the next book.
This is truly just a fun series to read and has quickly become one of my favorites. I love the quirky town and characters and can't wait for the next book.
October 6, 2018
The only thing that disappoints me with this series is when the book ends. I love the characters, setting, plot and secondary characters.
July 14, 2019
Great book, as always. 5/5 stars.
June 2, 2020
The very first time I knew the whodunnit way before the protagonist, but I enjoyed this nevertheless very much
August 4, 2020
Bit disappointed how I keep figuring out who the killer is. Hopefully it will become a bit more difficult in the next books.
September 5, 2020
My favorite book in the series so far.
It took 6 damn books but she finally got 1 kiss!!!
It took 6 damn books but she finally got 1 kiss!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2021
I am loving the quirky relationship between the florist and the detective. Got to see a lot of the back story on the detective. Fun little mystery with some obscure clues.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews