Footprints in the Ferns

Lovely Lethal Gardens #6

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags. ... Controlling to chaos. ... But murder ... not this time!

One night 10 years ago, 8-year-old Crystal, vanished from her bed in her parents’ house, the only clue a footprint in the flowerbed below the girl’s window.

Now that footprint’s reappeared, this time at the scene of another crime, and Doreen is under strict orders not to stick her nose into Corporal Mack Moreau’s new investigation.

But while Mack is busy with the new case, Doreen figures it can’t hurt if she just takes a quick look at the old one. Her house is empty, her antiques removed, and she has time on her hands. She’s finished working on Penny’s garden and needs a new project to keep her busy – and allow her to avoid the heavy work waiting in her own garden. And with the help of her assistants, Thaddeus the parrot, Goliath the Maine Coon, and Mugs the Basset, soon Doreen is busy navigating the world of pawn shops and blackmail as she looks for clues as to what happened to the girl stolen from her bedroom so many years ago.

Surely, it’s not her fault when her case butts up against the new one – is it?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks, Animals

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2019

About the author

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

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

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

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

Books by Dale Mayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

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

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

Reviews

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh Doreen and Mack ❤️❤️ another fun adventure. Doreen just can’t help herself, or rather, trouble just can’t help finding Doreen. She’s not even recuperated from Penny’s attack when she’s embroiled in another mystery, that of a child that’s been missing for 10 years. When an attempt is made on another child that’s eerily familiars to that cold case, Doreen can’t help but think they’re related, Mack just wants her to keep her nose out of his case. Between trying to get all the antiques out of her home to keep burglars out, learn how to pay bills and feed herself, Doreen has quite a time solving this mystery. As with the others books in the series, this one is a quick, humorous read with witty dialogue. The relationship between Mack and Doreen is cute, everyone but Doreen sees where it’s headed 😂😂😂.

The animals are fiercely loyal and have a way of letting Doreen know when she’s being obtuse that is just truly funny. Their connection to Doreen and now Mack hints at the growing relationship/connection between them. Nan is being Nam and creating havoc at the nursing home and at Doreen’s house, betting on everything and everyone 😁😁

The mystery was good and the outcome was a good one considering the subject matter. The subject matter in this book dealt with multi family and multigenerational domestic violence and child abuse and while it’s not discussed in detail ( this is a cozy after all) it touches on the ugly underbelly that exists even in the picturesque of small towns.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series. The best thing about these books are the quirky characters. I love Doreen’s grandmother Nan who left Doreen a house full of antiques and pet menagerie of Mugs the Basset, Goliath the Maine Coon cat and Thaddeus the parrot. Their interactions add so much humor to the story. Then there’s the love hate relationship between Constable Mack and Doreen. Doreen is a newly divorced trophy wife who was handed everything on silver platter and now she has to learn everything about living on your own. Mack spends his spare time with Doreen teaching her about things most people take for granted like cooking, banking, and household repairs. Much to Mack’s chagrin, Doreen gets in the middle of his cold cases. Mack wants her to stay out of police business which ultimately puts Doreen in danger and then Mack needs to come to her rescue. I’ve read a lot of different amateur mystery series, but this is my favorite. Dale Mayer has a way of integrating the characters and mystery into one story.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another entertaining and enjoyable entry in this cozy mystery series. I thought the story got off to a slow start in Doreen's latest escapade but once the main part of the story kicks in, you are reminded of why you like this series and all it's memorable characters so much. Adventure, madcap high jinx, drama, suspense, humor, cuteness and sweetness are all woven throughout the well written and involving storyline. I love Doreen, Nan, Thaddeus, Mugs, Goliath and the long suffering Corporal Mack Moreau and can't wait to see them again in the next book. This is my truthful, freely posted review.

[Susan Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent entry in the intriguing series. Mayer grabs our attention from the beginning and never lets up. What a wonderful book and series!!

[ClassicKails · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened in audiobook. So good! Will never get enough of this series!

"Liar. Liar. Liar. - Thaddues the African grey bird. "

Thaddues and Goliath and Mugs have my heart always. <3

[D. Harley Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly provided this book as an ARC; in exchange for my honest review. This is book 6 of 6. in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series.

This book series is VERY different from anything else Ms. Dale has written before.

The series continues to remind me of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum mysteries. Doreen seems to inadvertently get into similar “adventures” as Stephanie Plum, and in lieu of a crazy, potty-mouthed, ex-prostitute, side-kick; Doreen has an crazy African Grey parrot. (Seriously).. The book while dealing with some morbid events, is light-hearted and comical in parts, but no hot-steamy love scenes, violence, or profanity. This book can be read by all-ages. (I’ve purchased and allowed a young teen to read). Some may find it to be a little “young,” or “silly;” but, as with all of Ms. Dale’s work, it is well written and a fast read.

Series begins with Doreen Montgomery, a divorced 35 year-old woman who’s on her own for the first time. After losing everything but her dog (Mugs) an adorable Basset Hound moves into her grandma “Nan’s” home. Where she ends up the new caretaker/owner of some interesting pets.

As before I recommend this book if you want a fun-light-hearted, but easy read. If you are accustomed to some of Ms. Dale’s steamier work and that’s your preference; then you may not enjoy. It does help a bit to read the series in order, just to understand the characters better. And, seriously, Thaddeus is a scream. I had a talking bird as a kid, you never quite know what to expect them to say. For some reason, it’s usually going to embarrass you... Like using naughty words in front of the senior pastor from your church... (that was my bird.) But, Thaddeus makes me laugh and reminisce about my silly bird.

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

[Kathie Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Footprints, Furniture, and Family

I’m not sure which of this book’s parallel plots (Footprints in the Ferns AND Furniture under the Floorboards) held more interest for me (loved them both!), but it seems the common theme here is family.

As Doreen walks down Nan’s memory lane with all the memorabilia she comes across in clearing out Nan’s antiques for a major auction house event, she is filled with love for her sweet-yet-still-sassy grandmother whose investment in the many valuable pieces of furniture, books, and art was always intended to provide Doreen's financial support for an independent life. The memories she finds date back even to Nan’s Nan, who would leave treats and trinkets in secret drawers and compartments for her own granddaughter to find. Doreen’s excitement as she continued to discover things in places she didn’t even know existed in the old house was incredibly exciting for me as well.

Of course, between sessions with the antiques experts, Doreen cannot clear her mind of the footprints recently found at what looked like a foiled child abduction that were a match for the footprints found outside the scene of an unsolved disappearance of a young girl ten years ago. In this storyline, we see a couple of examples that show the definition of family that transcends traditional genealogy. When Mack is almost run off the road, the family known as Goliath, Mugs, and Thaddeus are the ones who convince Doreen that something bad has happened to Mack. No spoilers here, so as you read about solving the connection between the matching footprints, see whether you can spot the family theme there as well. Good luck and good reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 7. Gun in the Gardenias

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

Doreen's house is empty as the valuable antiques have all been removed and so she has time on her hands. So when her friend (and love interest?) Corporal Mack Moreau is busy with a new investigation which has a similarity via mysterious footprints under the bedroom window to a 10-year-old case of a missing 8-year-old girl called Crystal, she decides it won't hurt to use some of the time she has on her hands (and to avoid heavy work in her own garden) to have a quick look (even though Mack has already warned her off). of course she won't have to struggle on her own as she has the help of Thaddeus the parrot, Goliath the Maine Coon, and Mugs the Basset hound. What she finds are a world of pawnshops blackmail and hidden emotions. So it's not really her fault surely when her case merges with the one Mack is working on. Can Doreen solve this latest mystery?

This was a lovely mystery which you find yourself solving as you read through the story and find the clues. It seems that where Doreen now lives is a bed of old police cases just waiting for her to come along and solve. It makes me wonder if it is the same in order places or did her Gran deliberately live somewhere with so much hidden crime? Well written and very addictive, I was dying to know the outcome while also feeling sad that another of these stories was coming to the end. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next story and just hope that Mack and Doreen manage to get to something more romantic (and permanent). Highly recommended.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The highlight of Footprints in the Ferns is, as expected, Doreen, the main character. Her bright and unconventional personality dominates the story, a never-ending source of entertainment for the readers. Her pets are, as usual, active counterparts to her adventures.
Quite unexpectedly, the first few chapters of the book do not reveal any new investigation, focusing instead on describing Doreen's efforts to give stability to her new life in Kelowna. The painstaking descriptions of her Nan's antiques' sale and of her efforts to sort through her belongings may leave the reader wondering as to what the main storyline will be.
Around the middle of the book, however, Doreen launches into solving yet another cold case. The story picks up its pace, the dialogue becomes lively and the narrative is back to the usual, gay writing style of other books of the series.
The second part of the book is a very enjoyable detective story although, given the limited amount of pages left, a few loose strings remain unsolved.
Overall, Footprints in the Ferns feels more like a transitionary episode to me. The author indulges in the exploration of her characters' personalities rather than recounting the expected detective story. As a result, the book is likely to be different from what the readers may have anticipated. Nonetheless, it remains interesting enough to entice their curiosity for Doreen's next adventures.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cold case for Doreen to get into more trouble. Actually the cold case is tied to a new case by the footprints discovered in both mysteries. Doreen has just solved one old case (actually more than one) and can't resist researching another. The pull being an almost abduction of a child in the present compared to the missing child from 10 years ago. Doreen has a busy life trying organize her grandmother's old house while same grandmother lives in a retirement community nearby and has given her blessing to get rid of the excessive antique furniture acquired over many years. Excessive barely covers the amount of furniture Nan (Grandmother) has stuffed into every nook and cranny. Doreen also has a love interest with her new friend Mack who is a corporal in the local police force. Mack really wants Doreen to stay out of danger this time but Doreen has different thoughts.
Between Doreen's daily life activities with her very lovable pets who are a hoot in themselves, trying to learn to cook, attempting (maybe) to keep out of trouble, selling and arranging for the dispersal of tons of antique furniture and an equal amount of clothes, handling a few break ins at her new home, and trying to adjust to a new life as divorced woman, Doreen has her hands full and does a wonderful job of balancing it all with grace, mystery and humor. Another great story in this fairly new cozy mystery series.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little lighthearted while still dealing with serious themes, I adore Doreen and her family of animals. I hope Mack soon makes a move though, I can feel the attraction sparking off the pages but its a very slow build. I think all it will take is one hot and heavy kiss, so hopefully in the next book while cooking dinner. I don't think I would want to live in this town though, there seems to be an awful lot of missing people over the years and some linked. I love Nan and the relationship the two of them have, I had one similar with my Nan and we were extremely close so this reminds me of her a bit. I especially love all the antiques and clothing with little secrets and money hidden away that she has bought and saved just for Doreen, as if she knew that at some point she would need this to fall back on. Even with the help though Doreen is working, either gardening which she is paid for or helping solve cold cases, each case is interesting and a bit different. The animals are helping to, they suss the suspects out and give her clues to if they are honest or not. Fabulous reading and so easy to just sit and dive deep into the plot, I really wish I could read for a living instead of having to work, it would be my ideal life.

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

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what I am enjoying more, the antiques Doreen is discovering, the mysteries that have Mack and her sparring, the interactions with her grandmother, Nan, or the antics of her pets.

In each book the pets have been instrumental in solving the cold case and they are also very protective of Doreen. Mugs the Basset, Goliath the Maine Coon cat, and Thaddeus the parrot have become her family.

Now Doreen is still recovering from the hit on the head she took from the guilty party in the last book, but as in real life things don't stop for her. The house still needs to be emptied of the antiques and Scott is coming to evaluate more of the pieces to see what he can take to auction.

Then there's the new case with a possible link to the disappearance of a child 10 years ago. Mack can't share much but Doreen is looking into the older case, the animals don't particularly like the child's mother, but the investigation continues.

Plenty of fun and visits with Nan. The suspense of the cases both old and new. Some laughter at Doreen's naiveté with regards to banking and checks. The amazing finds and new experts coming to evaluate makes for such an enjoyable read.

I really loved the lead in to the next book as well. I can't wait to read it.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Doreen gets released from the hospital Mack is there to pick her up.He tells her to rest and stay out of trouble. Then she hears about a ten year old kidnapping case but now there are the same prints outside another childs window but the child wasn;t taken just somethings were removed.Mac tells Doreen to stay out of his case she
s always getting hurt.But as she keeps thinking about the case of Crystal she wants to do something about it.Doreen and her mangerie of pets Mugs,Golith and Thaddeus,she will get involved as soon as the people picking up the antiques from her house.The twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what;s next by this multi talented author.The danger the mystery and the characters off the charts.

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

[Herluck]

Doreen vient à peine de résoudre une vieille enquête, qu’elle apprend pour la disparition mystérieuse de la petite Crystal survenue dix ans plus tôt. La seule trace de sa disparition est une empreinte sous la fenêtre de sa chambre. Dix ans plus tard, une empreinte similaire est trouvée sous la fenêtre d’un autre enfant, sans que celui-ci soit kidnappé. Doreen décide de mener sa petite enquête et espère pouvoir retrouver la petite Crystal. Pendant ce même temps, sa maison est en train de se vider complètement, à la suite de la vente de ses meubles.

J’ai vraiment aimé l’intrigue de ce sixième tome, tout comme Doreen, je voulais savoir ce qui était arrivé à la petite Crystal et si tout allait bien se terminer. J’ai été bien surprise par le dénouement de cette intrigue qui était assez émouvante.

Niveau personnel Doreen fait de drôle de découverte, les vieux meubles qu’avait entassés sa grand-mère sont en vérité des pièces d’antiquité et elle les a vendus. Mais avec Nan, sa grand-mère elle n’est pas au bout de ses surprises.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more than a cozy mystery. This book picks up right after Evidence in the Echinacea. Doreen hears of another cold case, a missing girl, that sparks her curiosity but the movers are coming to pick up the rest of the antiques. While on a walk with her pets, Doreen is appealed to by the missing girl's mother for help, but Mack doesn't want her involved again. Doreen has a tendency to put herself in danger. I received a free copy of this book from the author through Booksprout. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. After the Psychic Visions series, this is my next favorite series by the author. I love reading about Doreen's experiences with her pets, her grandmother, and solving mysteries. It takes longer to get to the mystery this time because of everything happening in Doreen's life, but that's half the fun. I enjoy reading about Doreen's life as much as Doreen solving mysteries. I love this book and recommend this book and series.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth in the Lovely Lethal Garden mystery series. I listened to the book via Hoopla.
This picks up immediately after the close of the last book.

Steve, Penny’s lawyer friend threatens Doreen. Doreen stumbles upon a ten-year cold case of a missing girl, and more items are carted off to Christies Auction House by Scott, the antique furniture appraiser; John, the book appraiser; & the art appraiser.

There are several things going on in this book, a missing girl that disappeared ten years ago, Steve’s combativeness, and Nan’s happy go lucky outlook on like. Nan provides the background history whenever Doreen needs it.
Mack is concerned for Doreen’s safety. She hasn’t recovered from her attack at the end of the last book. Concussions are no laughing matter but our author does provide some levity throughout the book.

I like the slow and steady approach to Mack & Doreen’s friendship. The reveal was enlightening and the start of a new adventure is on the horizon.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and her little family of furry and feathered companions are an absolute delight to read about.

Nan makes me laugh out loud with her various money making ventures at the senior residence she lives in, and she is a real blessing to her Granddaughter.

Corporal Mack has his hands full keeping their little town safe, and trying to keep Doreen safe at the same time. Doreen has a talent for solving cold cases, but not as much talent at keeping herself out of dangerous situations.

The companion animals in this series are hilarious. The different personalities they have make them the perfect addition to the series, as well as Doreen’s little family.

Doreen is fast becoming famous, or infamous depending on which neighbor you talk to hahaha.
Love love love this series of books!

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Footprints in the Ferns by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Six
Doreen has only been in Nan's house for a short time, but she's been kept quite busy. Side jobs of gardening, finding bodies, solving cold cases, avoiding being murdered herself...
Not to mention that she's found out that Nan left her a house full of valuable items that she can sell and keep the money. All good and fine if only others would stop trying to steal those items from her house.

She's keeping her new detective friend, Mack, quite busy with all the cases...and trouble that seems to find her. And then there are her animals...her family. Goliath the Maine coon cat, Mugs the basset hound, and Thaddeus the talking bird.

I love this fast-moving, humorous series told from Doreen's point of view.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Footprints in the Ferns is the 6th book in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series, it can be read as a standalone story but definitely read the previous books. They are fun and a bit kooky.

Doreen is on the tracks of another "cold"case, injured from her previous case and still with the house filled of antiques. Can Doreen and her little menagerie of pets solve the missing child case even when police Corporal Mack asks her keep herself safe.

Another wonderful mystery story, it's fast-paced and well-written. The storyline is well thought out with plenty of drama and twists. The characters are amazingly likable, even nan with her quirks is delightful. I'm absolutely loving this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to this book as I am hooked on this series and Dale Mayer does not disappoint! I loved the book from start to finish. Love the shenanigans the main character gets caught up in with her inherited three pets. Love that she keeps an ongoing dialogue with the pets and that they are treated as almost human. I love the relationship between the two main characters, Doreen and Mack. And really love the many escapades of Doreen's Nan. She is so adorable and funny and unpredictable. If you love a good mystery and some laughs you will love this book and this series. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen has just closed the case against Penny when she stumbles into the case of a strange print in ferns and a missing child from ten years ago. This time another active case goes hand-in-hand with this one and Mack doesn't want her to interfere with his ongoing case. She's also trying to sell off her antiques before someone manages to steal them from her. Doreen loves solving the cases and I think she even enjoys having something to do with all her spare time. I love the evolving friendship between her and Mack. The characters are expertly written and intriguing. The story will draw you in and make you feel like you are there. It's a wonderful series that I just can't seem to get enough of. I volunteered to read this book on booksprout.

[Niken Widyastuti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continue to offer us refreshing view of mysteries. Murder was never light matter, of course. Yet the way the story told and the interaction between characters gave a light atmosphere to otherwise gruesome theme.

Again, Doreen found herself embroiled in a cold case mystery. Naturally a curious person, she tried to find out what happened to a case gone cold 10 years ago while Mack busy with a new one that had the same clue as the cold case. It’s cute to see her effort and interactions with Mack and Nan.

An enjoyable read. Company for relaxing days.

I was provided a complimentary copy by the author / publisher through Booksprout, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really love Doreen and her quirky furry friends, these adorable squad back in action again, this time with an eight years old girl kidnapping cold case with only footprints in the ferns as a major clue, although most of the story is about Doreen and all her antique furnitures and her journey to get settled financially than the real cold case, I still enjoying it nonetheless, I love how clueless she is about everything and I love how she's growing to be an independent woman and when the cold case kicks in, everything got more interesting and there's no way to stop reading because my head keeps spinning all the theories. So yes, I love this book.

If you love cozy mystery read, you don't want to miss this one.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things pic up straight after the last book and Mack has given her strict orders to rest but well if there is one thing we have learnt about Doreen from the previous books it's best not to try and tell her what to do. Not only do we go along for the ride as Doreen tries to work out what happened to Crystal all those years ago but also what other exciting things are hidden within her house. There are some good red herrings in regards to what happened or who was behind the disappearance of Crystal as well as some fun stories told by Nan and surprises in regards to how much money could be coming Doreen's way!

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

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!!

Another great who-dun-it mystery! Great characters and
an extremely riveting story line. Only thing was I was a
little disappointed that the animals didn't have such a big
part in the story line as they did in the previous books.
That's the biggest part of the mysteries for me. I love all the
things that Thaddeus says just out of the blue and there
was very little of that. The book was almost all about
the furniture and stuff in the house. Time to get back to
solving mysteries!!!!!! Hopefully Mugs, Goliath, and Thaddeus
will have a bigger presence in the upcoming books. I
most definitely still love this series and will most assuredly
continue with it!!!!!!!!!!! 😸🐶🐦

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen and her pets are still recovering from a head injury from her last case and just released from the hospital when another cold case falls in her lap. This one involves an eight year old girl who has been missing for ten years.

With Doreen's ability to think outside the box, she looks at this case differently than the police...from the child's point of view. She starts asking questions and people start getting nervous and new information reveals itself.

Another enjoyable cozy mystery from this author. I can't wait for the next one.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5) This series is getting better and better. I like watching Doreen grown. Mack is growing on me. Mugs, Goliath and Thaddus make up her family, along with Nan who is in the retirement home. I am totally intrigued with the way Doreens brain works, lol and this really is a mystery, with some twists and turns. You think your traveling a simple who done it, and wham intrigue jumps in. I was surprised, and I LOVE being surprised in a mystery. This can be read and enjoyed by all ages.Well done ! Thank you for the arc, Dale Mayer, Booksprout All thoughts and opinions are my own and were unsolicited.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen still hasn’t completed recovered from the last adventure that she and her menagerie got involved in so Mack wants her to work on the house and stay out of trouble. Doreen has good intentions to follow his request but with the antiques in her Nan’s house under control she has too much time to think about a cold case that involved a child abduction.

She decides that asking a few questions couldn’t hurt and that is when the fun really begins especially when Mack finds out what she has been up to.

This is a fun cozy mystery that has just enough suspense and twists that will entertain you until the last page. I am enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next installment.

[EmmyT · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like these books because of the antiques. Dumb Doreen continues to amaze and annoy. This time she asks, "What is a check?". She's an adult that helped her almost ex-husband start and build a business! She knows cash and credit cards, but not checks. I'm sure she would have received checks as gifts growing up or as wedding gifts. Maybe the idea with each book is to come up with the stupidest thing Doreen can ask. A much more likely scenario would be that rich, coddled Doreen wouldn't know how to pump her own gasoline.

Doreen has received a windfall and is used to receiving gifts. We've not seen her give her Nan any kind of gift. Or Mack. And she doesn't have friends.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures continue for our Doreen, Thaddeus, Mugs and Goliath and we must not forget Mack. As Doreen organises her house and get the antiques out of the house, intruders, threats, cooking lessons and a new but old case to solve. As Doreen and her pets continue their escapades into a case, it’s not all it seems by the end and the animals come to her rescue again. I absolutely love Doreen and her animals and I really hope that something happens between her and Mack. They seem so suited for each other. A fabulous read and I can’t wait to see what she gets upto next.