Icepick in the Ivy

Lovely Lethal Gardens #9

by Dale Mayer

A new cozy mystery series from USA Today best-selling author Dale Mayer. Follow gardener and amateur sleuth Doreen Montgomery—and her amusing and mostly lovable cat, dog, and parrot—as they catch murderers and solve crimes in lovely Kelowna, British Columbia.

Riches to rags. ... Chaos never calms. ... Time fades memories. ... Or at least most of them!

Who knew two small maker’s marks could lead to such chaos? Doreen has been enjoying a few well-earned days of peace and quiet after solving her last mystery. But all good things must come to an end. Like when Thaddeus, her independently minded African gray parrot, digs up two rectangular metal pieces from the path along the creek. Then Doreen is sent down another rabbit hole of the past: connecting the dots from a long-defunct tool repair company and a young girl who disappeared at the same time.

Corporal Mack Moreau doesn’t think these events are connected. He doesn’t believe the spate of recent deaths is suspiciously tied in either. Mack wants Doreen to focus on the materials and the cost analysis to replace her backyard deck and to leave the detecting to him. But how can she, when she knows so much more is going on than Mack believes?

Heart attacks, unfair wills, and a missing ice pick are all related. She just needs to understand how …

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

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2020

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this absolutely delightful story and I am still smiling . Doreen, Mac and the animals are all great characters who really make these stories work. Two mysteries and I could only figure out one! Can;t wait for the next one.

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

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story revolves around Doreen who used to be a trophy wife, but now after a divorce needs to learn to get along on her own. She lives in the house that was given to her by her Nan along with a dog Mugs, cat Goliath and parakeet Thaddeus. Between Doreen and the animals, one of them finds an object and then out of curiosity Doreen starts to research the object and ends up involved in a cold case. What I like is the banter with Mack, her friend and a cop. Mack is always trying to keep her out of trouble but Doreen will not listen to reason. Being that she is not a cop people tend to tell her things that they won't tell the police which gives her more information to solve the crime. Dale Mayer does a great job creating characters that you just have to love.

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

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yup I'm definitely a big fan of Doreen and her fur babies. I always dropped everything when this book arrived. Always excited what trouble/cold case Doreen running into this time, thanks to Thaddeus this time, he brought metal pieces that leads to missing persons, forgery and maybe murder???? Oh yeah you have to read this book.

I really love and enjoy this cold case, so many twists and surprises and love the relationship between Mack and Doreen growing and I hope will be blooming soon, I root for this couple from the first book, and getting a bit frustrating here, but still love them though.

If you love cozy mystery read, I think you'll love this one too.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darleen just can’t help herself, if she’s not finding trouble, the animals are FINDING it for her. In addition to solving three cold cases or more, there’s hints that Darleen is clueing that Mack has feelings more than friendship for her 😁😁😁 ohhh what’s a Darleen to do, besides build a deck 😂😂

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen is always at it. This time she has quite the mystery with three missing persons to find and trying to help the Burns sisters get back what is rightfully theirs. The hijinks, hilarity and drama are there and of course Doreen gets her cases solved and continues to win the town folks and the cops over. I just adore this series. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, it's full of twists and turns and includes some really fun moments. The animals are a complete joy to read about and their antics make me chuckle. I do hope Mack and Doreen soon move on a little bit in their relationship, a kiss after a hug at least just to get the sparks going. I do enjoy the friendship and banter they have already but just know that it could be way more. Doreen also needs to get the meeting with the lawyer over with to complete that healing process from her failed marriage. Although some heavy subjects are covered in this book it still contains the cosy, quirky style that makes it read and comfortable reading, it's something to dive into when you want something that has depth but is also a bit lighter than most murder/mystery books. It's ideal for a weekend away story that you can pick up and put down without losing any intensity or the plot, and it is so different from most of Dale Mayers series. The animals keep it fun and interesting while still being protective of their human counterpart. Loved it.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen Montgomery had escaped from a marriage to a very wealthy but controlling husband to Kelowna, a small town in British Columbia and a house given to her by her grandmother, she has no money, she had social skills but no life skills but very soon established herself in the community with her skills as an amateur sleuth.
This is the 9th Dale Mayer book in this delightful series, although it is a standalone, all the ever so slightly eccentric characters from the previous books are there, Doreen, her incorrigible pets, Mugs the dog, Goliath the cat and Thaddeus the irrepressible talking parrot.
It became apparent soon after Doreen arrived in the village that she had an inquiring mind and was good at solving cold cases. Her best friend, Corporal Mack Moreau of the Kelowna police department was in equal proportion exasperated and impressed, he would rather she left the policing to him but Doreen continues to jump in with both feet often with a risk to her own safety.
When Thaddeus drops two metal tags at her feet another mystery begins, the tags are a trademark of a defunct local woodworker. In investigating, Doreen discovers that the tags were from a pair of ice picks and with the help of her delightful Nan and a very tolerant Mack she starts her hunt for clues.
This story involves the disappearance of an elderly couple and their handicapped daughter and the swindling out of their inheritance of two middle aged sisters.
This is a very gentle story with serious undertones, the main characters are charming, there is slow burning chemistry between Doreen and Mac but Doreen doesn't want to risk getting hurt again.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, these stories are so different from the usual Dale Mayer books that I read but they are pleasant change

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

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is still recuperating from her last case as this book opens. But she's already getting bored. As she begins to work on her garden she realizes Thaddeus isn't around anywhere. He returns when she calls but he has something shiny that he doesn't want to give up. This becomes a delightful interaction with Goliath and Thaddeus as she tries to get the object and Goliath wants to pounce.

When she finally gets the object away from him she pockets it and returns to her gardening but Thaddeus isn't happy about that at all. He wants her to follow him. When she does, it's not surprising that Mugs and Goliath follow. She admonished Thaddeus for going so far along the creek without her even as she finds another piece of metal that although smaller the same as the first one.

Not knowing what either meant she heads back home when Mugs jostles her on the bridge causing her to fall through the broken planks.

Now the scene that followed that was a favorite and I was laughing out loud, but that wasn't my top favorite. You see, now Doreen is stuck not able to put weight on her ankle or it will take longer to heal. To say she's not a good patient is putting it mildly. There are some perks to it all though. Nan and Mack have both been taking care of her and Mack is a hoot as always.

As soon as Doreen is given the okay, she's of course up and running. When she discovers an icepick near where Thaddeus found the metal labels things take several interesting turns.

Nan is ever helpful, and an interesting confrontation in the grocery with Mack at her side adds even more suspense to this tale.

I laughed, sighed, and gobbled up this story with each and every clue discovered.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series, from the awesome lead in I don't think Mack is going to be very happy about it.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based in Kelowna, British Columbia. gardener and sometime sleuth Doreen Montgomery (plus her cat, dog, and parrot) have been enjoying a few well-earned days of peace and quiet after the closure of her previous case. When Thaddeus, her independently-minded African grey parrot, digs up two rectangular metal pieces from the path along the creek, Doreen is sent down another rabbit hole of the past: connecting the dots from a long-defunct tool repair company and a young girl who disappeared at the same time. Corporal Mack Moreau doesn’t think these events are connected. He doesn’t believe the spate of recent deaths is suspiciously tied in either. Mack wants Doreen to focus on the materials and the cost analysis to replace her backyard deck and to leave the detecting to him. But how can she, when she knows so much more is going on than Mack believes? With heart attacks, unfair wills, and a missing ice pick Doreen knows they are all related - she just needs to understand how.

I loved this story which was like reading a murder mystery where just like Doreen we were reading and trying to solve the clues as she did. There were many twists and turns in the story and once again Doreen seems to have no sense of danger or self-preservation as she is willing to find the truth almost at any cost - it's a wonder she doesn't make Mack ill with worry sometimes! Well written clear and easy to understand, this is definitely a murder mystery with many layers for us all to solve.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and her pets, Thaddeus, Mugs and Goliath, are quickly deep in another cold case or more. This mystery involves an ice pick, maker's marks, coroner's reports, a will, a secret drawer, righting more than one injustice and a recycling bin. There is, of course, a lot more but leave it to Doreen to connect the dots and make sense of what others have missed.
Corporal Mack Moreau would love to have Doreen play more with her cooking lessons and plans for her back yard but she is determined to discover the truth of each new finding. Mack is realizing she is looking out for others because she had been taken advantage of. He is no doubt correct. She needs to right wrongs and has been highly successful at accomplishing that goal.
The epilogue includes a note about what happens 2 days later. When Doreen goes over to Millicent's (Corporal Moreau's mom) home where she has been helping with the gardening. Millicent happily shares a story about something she has found and here we go again!
I really love the interaction of the characters in this series. The pets are so unique and definitely lovable, protective and forever doing the most interesting things. Doreen is equally unique, determined and very special.

[Kathie Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a Dull Day at Doreen's

Excited to be planning the replacement of her little deck with a much bigger, nicer one, Doreen and her furry friends Goliath the cat and Mugs the dog are working around the markers near the house for the deck project. Hold on. If you have been following the Lovely Lethal Gardens series in which this is the ninth book, you know that she has three friends. Where is her feathered friend Thaddeus the parrot? He’s elsewhere in the big yard, picking around by the creek. Worried about his safety, Doreen goes to him and sees that he has a little gift for her…a small piece of metal that looks like a label with print on it. Next thing she knows, Thaddeus has found a second one similar to but slightly larger than the first. According to Nan, they’re metal nameplates for some sort of tool, perhaps one from the old Kelowna Tool Company. To which tool were these affixed? And is there a story here? A puzzle to solve? You bet! But not quite what you’re thinking it is. Ready to be surprised?

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

[Carla Vulto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen has been enjoying a few well-earned days of peace and quiet after solving her last mystery. But all good things must come to an end. Like when Thaddeus, her independently minded African gray parrot, digs up two rectangular metal pieces from the path along the creek. Then Doreen is sent down another rabbit hole of the past: connecting the dots from a long-defunct tool repair company and a young girl who disappeared at the same time.
Corporal Mack Moreau doesn’t think these events are connected. He doesn’t believe the spate of recent deaths is suspiciously tied in either. Mack wants Doreen to focus on the materials and the cost analysis to replace her backyard deck and to leave the detecting to him. But how can she, when she knows so much more is going on than Mack believes?
Heart attacks, unfair wills, and a missing ice pick are all related.

This is another great book from miss Mayer and I read it in one day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is on the way to investigating a new case. Her parrot, Thaddeus, starts this one off by bringing 2 small pieces of metal to Doreen. She and her animal menagerie simply follow the clues from metal to icepick to neighbors to heart attacks. While she doesn't know the connection yet, she is feeling more connected to her town of Kelowna. Unsure how the other residents regard her, she is always careful to treat people fairly. While investigating, Doreen has her grandmother Nan and RCMP Corporal Mack Moreau to watch after her. I love watching the relationships develop in this series, although sometimes I want to scream at the book for Doreen to open her eyes about Mack or for Mack say something to Doreen already, sheesh. Doreen and her Nan are delightful. This book will truly delight puzzlers, as they figure out the clues with Doreen.

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen's newest item was an ice pick. From her well recognized menagerie find the first clues, she was once again on the hunt.

The interesting thing about this book was that Doreen started out trying to right a wrong. She ended up not only doing that but solving 2 cold cases in the process.

I enjoy Doreen and Mack's banter, the sarcasm, and snarkiness. Poor Mack seemed to be continually frustrated with Doreen's involvement in the cold cases, as well as how she came to be involved. She always provided a different perspective for the police.

I noticed Nan's possible memory issues were often a point of conversation, but I didn't buy it. I thought that Nan played a role so that people would be more forthcoming. Nan seemed pretty sharp to me.

I am enjoying reading these lighter cozy mysteries between some of the heavier or darker books on my TBR list. I am looking forward to finding out whatever Mack's mom discovered.

[Herluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen prend quelques jours de tranquillité après la résolution de sa dernière enquête. Mais ce repos est de courte durée, car Thaddeus, son perroquet déterre deux plaques au bord du ruisseau qui passe derrière sa propriété. Elle est bien décidée à retrouver le propriétaire de ses plaques, mais elle est loin de se douter que ce n’est pas la seule chose qu’ils vont déterrer.

Petite enquête vraiment sympathique, de simples plaques déterrées, Doreen met son nez dans un mystère encore plus grand. Elle doit cette fois-ci démêler le vrai du faux, en évitant si possible de se mettre en danger. Mais bon, elle attire les ennuis autant que les mystères non résolus. Même si elle peut compter sur le soutien sans failles de ses animaux et du Capitaine Mack Moreau.

J’ai bien aimé le dénouement de cette enquête, franchement je ne m’attendais pas à certains détails, du coup, j’ai vraiment été surprise.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mine:
This is the ninth story in the Lovely Garden series. I listened to the book via Hoopla.

This picks up immediately after the close of the last book. Whether Doreen or her animals find the items, she is involved in a few cold cases. Thaddues, the gray parrot, finds an ice pick which begins her investigation. The ice picks were made by a local man whose wife and daughter seem to have disappeared or moved away. No one has heard from any of them.

Also, she is concerned about the Burn sisters who have been unfairly treated by their younger brother. He returns home just before the death of his father, submits a new will that cuts out his sisters, the housekeeper, and anyone else.

Also, Mack is going to assist Doreen in building a deck if she can come up with the items needed and money for those not readily available.

I really liked how Mack and Darlene worked together to solve the issues mentioned above. Some people never learn from their actions.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen’s next big project is a large deck, but Thaddeus brings her a silver tag as the next clue. When her pets lead her to the ivy where Thaddeus found the tag, Doreen unearths an ice pick. Before long, her curiosity has her delving into another mystery. I received a free copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. My enjoyment of this series increases with each book. Unraveling the mystery by learning more about the people involved is only half the charm. Seeing Doreen develop from the former trophy wife to a strong and confident woman talented in gardening and solving mysteries is the other half. I like Doreen's drive to ease people's pain by solving cold cases. I also enjoy seeing her friendship evolve with Mac. The final resolution did surprise me a little, which is an added bonus. I love this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice Pick in the Ivy by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Nine
Doreen Montgomery is getting to be quite famous around her new town. The good people love her for closing cold cases. The criminals fear her. And surprisingly, there seems to be more criminals than anyone ever suspected living there.

And Mack, her handsome detective friend, he may get frustrated with her sticking her nose in police business and causing them much more paperwork...but, in reality, the police are happy to be closing these old cases.

Doreen's learned that when some of these people tell her to butt out and mind her own business...it's worth stopping to take a second look at them. They must be hiding something. Great cozy mysteries with wonderful characters...human and animal alike.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen again stumbles into a new case! This time with the help of her sweet bird! She and Mack, her police buddy, are pulled into another murder, which turns into two cold cases. I really enjoyed this one, especially as the towns people are beginning to appreciate her efforts in solving these cases. I also feel she evolves, as does her relationship with Mack. They are friends who are on their way to being a couple. Lots of clues and twists and turns as Doreen solves her cases.. The animals again help her along the way and take down the bad guy!! I highly recommend this series as it is a clean read and lots of fun!

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading Ice Pick In The Ivy .
This is book nine in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series . The story is well written and while it has murder and mayhem it is really a delightful story . I read the entire story in a night . I could not put it down . Doreen and her pet family continue to solve cold cases . Mack and Doreen continue to spend time together and grow closer . This story finds Thaddeus discovering a metal nameplate in the Ivy on the other side of the creek . Of course Doreen finds herself knee deep in a new case with the help of Nan and Mack and her animals . I highly recommend taking the time to read and enjoy .

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

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fun read that pulled me in immediately and kept me entertained and intrigued with interesting characters and a must-solve mystery that had me sleuthing along with gardener and amateur sleuth Doreen Montgomery and her menagerie of pets that starts when her parrot Thaddeus digs up two rectangular metal pieces from the path along the creek behind her house. I love her undeniable chemistry with Corporal Mack Moreau and her relationship with her grandmother is heartwarming. "Ice Pick in the Ivy" is a great addition to the Lovely Lethal Gardens series by gifted author Dale Mayer and now I'm looking forward to book ten. I received an advance reader copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new adventure is awaiting but that is not how it happens. Doreen is hoping from for a few days out to recover from her last case and Mack a chancre to catch up on work. A nice time to plan changes around the house and to reflect on ones past.
Doreen is out back working on her plans as she is bored, her fury family with her when Thaddeus wonders off by himself only to return with a little bit of metal.
Doreen visit with her Nan and together they work to find out more about the metal tag. A fast ride to the end which just goes to show Mack that Doreen does not need to go to find cases as they are now coming to her.
Another great story.

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the start. I love the characters and especially love the animals that are main characters in the book. I love how the characters interact and how the animals are included in the story line. The main character keeps getting caught up in cold cases and you laugh out loud at her antics and the antics of her animals. The story draws you in and has you guessing what is going to happen next. The story is easy to read yet keeps you engrossed. Love this series and always look forward to the next book!

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

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that she has successfully solved another case maybe Doreen can focus her attention on giving her yard the upgrade that it needs, and Mack is hoping that this will keep her out of trouble for a little while. Too bad her parrot has other ideas when he not only brings back his discovery but has much more to show Doreen.

She once again finds herself on a wild adventure determined to uncover the truth behind a cold case with the help of Nan and her menagerie of animals with Mack only shaking his head as Doreen takes him along for the ride.

This is a fun series with great characters and enough intrigue to keep you entertained.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

This is another wonderful addition to the Lovely Lethal Gardens series, it can be read as a standalone story, I do recommend reading them all though cause they are fast-paced, fun to read and the characters are incredibly likable, Doreen and her animals are incredibly sweet and quirky, Nan is a riot and Mack is a stubborn sweetheart.
Each story has a twisting mystery that Doreen finds a way to solve with the help of her friends and family while also dealing with a past relationship gone south and a flirtatious thing with Mack. Highly entertaining.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the banter between Doreen and Mack and how we just might have finally seen a little spark between them that could mean being more than friends. Doreen has another mystery drop into her lap which not only involves a lot of people, hopefully a new friend to help Doreen with her mysteries and is a lot closer to home for Doreen and we get to see a lot more emotion and more insight into Doreen. I did get frustrated how she reacts to seeing Mack's brother about her ex and hope it gets sorted in the next book and we see some more cooking and fun moments with Mack.

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

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ice Pick in the Ivy

WOW! Another FANTASTIC story by Dale! Doreen finds herself wanting to help two sisters get what was rightfully theirs. Her animals are still a hoot! Doreen has a knack for solving cold cases and this time around she had two mysteries to solve. They were intricately connected to each other. This time around she did not get hurt. She solved both cases basically at the same time. Mack seems to be falling for Doreen. Her animals adore Mack! Now Mack's mom seems to have Doreen's next mystery to solve. As always, FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book!

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely lost sleep with this one!

Each book in this series I've read so far has been phenomenal! The story lines are so full of twists and turns that it keeps me guessing until the end. I love the characters and most definitely the animals. Mugs,Goliath and of course my favorite, Thaddeus. I just would REALLY like to have them more involved in the story and like they were in the first few books. It seems they're mentioned less and less as each book comes out and they're the main reason I started this series. So please please please, Dale Mayer, more Mugs, Goliath and especially Thaddeus!!!!!!! Keep going with this phenomenal series. I love it!!!!!

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hilarious read!
I love this series so much hahaha. Doreen, Mack, and all her critters make me smile.
Fast paced, witty, and the usual mayhem all because of a couple of makers stamps and an ice pick.
I would love to have Doreen as a neighbour.. I'd never need to leave home for entertainment.
A fun read that will have you guessing what the ice pick is all about.
The book can be read as a stand alone, but honestly.. if you don't read all of the books in the series, you're missing out.
I love the story lines, and all the characters in them.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a ray of sunshine. A great cozy mystery (well 2 actually) that makes your mind work and takes you away from the strife in the world and provides comfort and laughter. Each book is a stand alone, but each book provides progression of Doreen as and individual and her and Macks "friendship". I love a book where the main characters feel like family or friends. I read a lot of heavy thrillers, [psychological etc, and these books always restore my soul and make me think as I follow try and solve the mystery. Doreens animals provide, laughter, comfort and bodyguards:) I so would like Doreen to put on her big girl panties and meet with Macks brother the lawyer, then maybe she can open her eyes to the blossoming possibilities to her future. Thank you Dale for this arc, for the balm to my soul, for the laughter and the mystery. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.