A Dead Red Oleander

A Dead Red #3

by R.P. Dahlke

What if quitting your boring job put you in line for murder?

Her beloved great aunt wants to bar-b-que dad's side-kick, Bruce the goat, and her man-hungry cousin has her sights set on her number one pilot.
What else could possibly go wrong? Oh yeah, her new pilot is really a CPA hiding from a vicious Las Vegas hitman.

Genres: Mystery, Ebooks, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Amazon, Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2011

About the author

I write the Dead Red Mystery series,
and a romantic sailing mystery trilogy starting with A Dangerous Harbor and now Hurricane Hole. I LOVE to hear from readers! e-mail me: rp@rpdahlke.com

Join my private monthly newsletter and get FREE stuff!
http://rpdahlke.com

or e-mail me: rp@rpdahlke.com

Reviews

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lalla Bains and her dad are selling their crop dust business, but in the meantime Lalla hires a new pilot - Dewey Treat - to help them in their last season. Unfortunately, Dewey ends up dead at their "end-of-business" party (at least he died at the right themed party!). Lalla ends up taking care of Nancy, Dewey's widow, and brings her to her home because she feels Nancy might also be in danger. Of course Lalla's suspicions turn out to be founded, but there's no way a tiny little thing like her wedding is going to stop Lalla from snooping and figuring out who killed Dewey and why!

I'm so happy that Lalla Bains is back! This was my favourite book of the three and it's all there: crime, mystery, suspense and great characters! I really liked the glimpses into Lalla's thoughts as she goes back and forth with new theories. Her dad completely lost in a house full of women as Lalla's great-aunt and her cousin (Pearlie) come from Texas for her wedding is hilarious. Nancy is a great character because you won't be able to decide if she is one of the good guys or one of the bad ones. Nevertheless, the best new character is hidden under cousin Pearlie who starts out as a spoiled rich woman but who keeps growing on you, believe me. It's also endearing to finally meet the woman behind Lalla's name and finding out how much they have in common. You'll like this story, it has the right twists, the right amount of corpses, one bride and at least one goat! (Which according to the author has not been harmed in the making of the book).

[R.P. Dahlke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naturally I read it! I wrote it. Here're what reviewers are saying:
"I'm so happy that Lalla Bains is back! This is was my favourite book of the three and it's all there: crime, mystery, suspense and great characters! I really liked the glimpses into Lalla's thoughts as she goes back and forth with new theories. Her dad completely lost in a house full of women as Lalla's great-aunt and her cousin (Pearlie) come from Texas for her wedding is hilarious. I Matos, Amazon review

"This author is an exceptional talent bringing her characters to life--you feel like you've met them before! My only regret--I am finished reading and have to wait who knows how long for my next "fix" from this author! Read it and enjoy!" Tech Teacher, Amazon Review
Amazon/Kindle: $2.99

[Cheryl Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I won a copy of A Dead Red Oleander after entering a contest on a blog. I have no affiliation with the author or publisher and have not received payment for my review.**

A Dead Red Oleander starts off with a bang. Why is this woman – Lalla - handcuffed beneath a truck? What did she do? Who left her there? Is someone coming back to finish her off? The prologue did an excellent job of drawing the reader in wanting to read more. Chapter one begins stating "6 weeks earlier".

Lalla hires a temporary pilot for her crop dusting business that she and her father are in the process of shutting down at the end of the season in a few weeks. Dewey Treat comes well recommended and she gives him the job. Unfortunately he drops dead at a BBQ Lalla and her father are hosting at their ranch. Due to the suspicious nature of his death the police arrest his wife Nancy. Lalla is convinced her new friend has been set up and starts an investigation to find the real killer, who leaves a few more bodies in his wake before he is finally captured.

A Dead Red Oleander was well written, good plot, good dialogue, fast moving story line, well developed, likeable characters, the kind of book that is a real page turner. I liked the book and I would recommend it to others to read.

Unfortunately this wonderful book was a victim of formatting and editing errors. Punctuation errors, words spelled correctly that would not be caught in a computer spell check but used incorrectly, and extra words that messed up sentences - He was a really was a fast learner. I also had my doubts that 6 weeks passed between the prologue and first chapter. The book moved along really quickly with no explained time lapses. It seemed like only a few days passed between chapter one and the handcuffed under the truck scene. I won’t use the editing as an excuse to give a snarky review or lowball rating the novel because I really did like this book. I was able to get past the sloppy editing to enjoy the well written story but I want to be honest in my review and give potential readers a heads up because not everyone wants to read a book with errors in each chapter. I was tempted to give a 5 star review but I don't think it would be fair to potential readers who are expecting a good, clean copy.

I definitely recommend A Dead Red Oleander for people who love fast moving cozy mysteries.

But I don't recommend it for readers who get really bugged by sloppy editing!

Will Lalla ever get married? I have to know! I definitely will be reading more of this author's books.

[Tulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thriller and love story.

Yes, May the road rise up to meet you Lalla and Pearlie. I hope their will be more books about them, and I will be reading all of them. Those delicious dinners made my mouth water. Another short story that will be keeping you warm in the winter.

[Wordsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

R.P. Dahlke, you know all about 'er.?

The "Red Dead" sleuther series writer?

 She's kinda like 'er gutsy gal Lalla, she who be the wannabe investigator, 

When she hits 'er groove, she too is highly over-active, that R. P.'s a real go-getter! 


She cranks 'em out like pure Con-Ag butter,

 Not creamy, sliding, like that kind of butter! Heck no! She keeps 'em threaded tight together. 

Kinda like white gloves worn by an ole grandmother.


And funny?

 Gram's big ole dimpled belly?

it be shakin'  up all n down, like jelly!  

They crazy, these two California chicks. Lalla and R. P. Dahlke .
__________________________________

"But in any case, Caleb and I will stay the night. He's armed and, as he likes to say, I'm dangerous." ~ Lalla
____________________________________

Sassy, suddenly, sleuthing gals abound all around, 

Tho not many are found OFF the ground, 

Dusting California crops by the pound. 

To prosper is to drench the vermin down.
____________________________________

"...me, Lalla Bains, Aero Ag pilot, sometime busy-body, meddling where I shouldn't--again. I'm dirt smeared and sweaty thinking if I get out of this alive, if the killer doesn't return to finish me off, I'll foreswear all future sleuthing. My dad, Caleb, Roxanne and half of Stanislaus County will be pleased to hear that promise come true. I will, this time. Really I will." ~ Lalla
____________________________________

So yeah, she got the edge, the hook to her series of books, if you will. Hook's alone don't carry a sleuth as she fulfills her deal. Shooting words—not meant to kill.

Hook's alone don't guarantee that sustaining, ever-lasting love, not even for a lovely and gutsy sleuther, such as Lalla is. Here's the deal: She's not out seeking some kind a thrill, she's a lover, hey, lets keep it real.

Lalla Baine's is one tall, blonde, drink of cool water, having been THAT former NYC top-model. 

She's came home to California, took to dusting—flying, getting nose all deep in 'er beau's business. Oh yeah, he's The Sheriff. At first Caleb, the dutiful, diligent, ever-vigilant one, near 'bouts had of Lalla, and yes, of her antics, MORE than his fill. 

Now, accepted, she's partaking in the sleuthing out these scum who slink back to their shadows mere seconds post-kill. And all this my friends, takes some kind of skill, which R. P. Dahkle has, double or tripling THAT deal.

Lalla's not only got her days full, dusting down the verminous weevils, planning a wedding, loving her honey and appeasing her batty, extended family, they being gun-toting, lip licking gals, who think nothing of serving, with tasty chipolte dip, straight off the grill, Lalla's Dad's pet goat Bruce. All the while ducking hails of crossfire, trips to lowly bars with lower patrons and dealing with murderous folk not very wary of the lovely Lalla. Their bad.

R. P. gets you going from the get-go. She's got you cruising thru layers of (mass—most times) confusion served up right (well and good) by that classic ole stand-by, the crafty red herrings not to mention her clever use in spewing out so many miscues, which serve only to skew ones perception to that of one brimming with multitudes of misconceptions. Yep, you keep on cruising right down to that final page. Sad, closing a good book. I've really only just gotten warm, but yes, she deals, she deals in spades, in the utter scribiliciousness of alla it. She, R. P. is fluent in it. Lalla, like her creator, is coming into her own.

 Lalla's could be hero, the dutiful, do anything to catch 'em, Reacher? Has he crossed your radar? He being that former M. P. whose rather like Lalla, feeling that calling binded with honor. He too, like Lalla, knows the pits to peaks of being taller. Wall flower to power. So, just how does Reacher from nowhere  fit with sunny Calfornian Lalla? Simply cuz no sleuther has said any better. "You do not mess with the special investigators." Ain't no body the same kinda special as Lalla and R. P. Dahlke, the sleuther and the scribe. What A Team.

I was sent a pre-lease of A Dead Red Oleander by the author. It did not cloud my judgement.
And, no silly! Bruce never got grilled! Not on Lalla's watch!

[Lora Shouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big changes are on the way for Lalla Bains former fashion model and currently manager and pilot for Bains Aero Ag Service, a crop-dusting business in Modesto California. With Lalla’s upcoming wedding to her longtime boyfriend, Sheriff Caleb Stone, the business is due to be shut down in mere weeks.

Unfortunately, Lalla is short-handed for this last season and needs to hire another pilot quickly. So, she is pleased when an old friend of her father sends on a recommendation for a new pilot and hires the new man right off.

But then, at Lalla and Caleb’s engagement barbeque, the new pilot dies suddenly. It kind of looks like a heart attack at first, but further investigation reveals it to be a murder. And just like that, Lalla has a new murder to solve, along with all the other things she has to do.

One thing I learned from this book is that oleander is poisonous. I don’t think I’ve ever even met an oleander flower, never mind knowing that they were poisonous. However, as relates to this mystery, the oleander turns out to be more of a red herring. The victim’s wife is afraid that her husband has inadvertently killed himself by using an oleander stem as a skewer for his hot dog, but the real cause of death turns out to be something else.

As Lalla tries to clear the victim’s wife of the murder, and incidentally find out who really did it, she encounters all sorts of deadly twists, one of which has her trapped under the wreckage of her father’s pickup truck for half a day. This time, she is assisted by her cousin Pearlie from Texas who has come with Great Aunt Mae for Lalla’s wedding. Pearlie has taken a fancy to Mad Dog, Lalla’s other pilot, who also manages to get injured in the chaos of the murder investigation.

The story ends on the eve of Lalla’s wedding, which, despite all her risk-taking appears to be about to happen after all. And she receives a tentative proposal from Pearlie for them to start their own private investigator firm. Future bad guys had better be rethinking their plans to cross this dangerous pair!

[Lesley Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lalla Bains is back, and this time she’s not alone. Her nuptials only days away, and the newest pilot for the crop dusting company dies at a prewedding party. The authorities arrest the man’s wife. Lalla insists the wife is not guilty, but her fiancé Caleb is not so sure and warns her not to meddle in the case. We know that would be impossible for Lalla. She’s off to track down the real killer accompanied by her cousin Pearlie, a little pistol-packin’ Texas gal who is often more of a hindrance than a help.

The reader can’t help but be hooked by the opening pages—Lalla handcuffed to the bottom of a truck in the middle of a field in 100 degree heat, and there’s no let-up in action when the reader turns the page to find out how she got there. The characters are sympathetic, the kind of folks you’d want as next door neighbors. The cousin and aunt provide Lalla with the fire power and the laughs necessary to keep this story moving at the speed of a bullet. Caleb might be disgusted at Lalla’s snooping, but while she fears he might dump her before the wedding, we know he will not. Her conflict between wanting to please Caleb and her need to discover the killer is basic Lalla. We expect nothing less than for her to put herself into difficult spots, and then get out of them. It’s part of what moves the story along and makes Lalla the kind of gal we want to pair up with. Pearlie proves to be just the right buddy in sleuthing for Lalla, and we hope to see more of her in the future. With the crop dusting business about to be sold, the reader looks forward to what tricky situations Ms. Dahlke will present to her able sleuth in the next Dead Red installment. But I really hate to wait! I gave it five stars and a planet.

Lesley A. Diehl

[KyBunnies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the third book in the series. The author has created a wonderful crime/mystery that will make readers laugh. I know I did several times while reading this book.
The characters Lalla Bains and her fiancé Caleb are at it again. Lalla is trying to end the season of crop dusting in the black and the business will be sold. Caleb is just trying to keep Lalla out of trouble. It seems like Lalla always has trouble following her around is always in trouble. If she is not trying to solve a mystery she is getting chased on the highway. Then her family is a little nuts so maybe Lalla just keeps the trouble around so nothing ever get boring.
Even though this is the third book in the series it can be read as a stand-alone. I have not read the other books in the series, however, I will read them now. The writing style of R.P. Dahlke is fresh with a witty spark that leaves the reader wondering where this author has been hiding.
In this book Lalla's extended family members arrive to help get everything ready for the wedding. However, trouble jump up and Lalla has to solve the problems while still trying to get everything ready.
I live on a farm. We have never used a crop-duster before so I do not know much about this. However, as much as I love the beautiful Oleander flower, I do not have them in my yard due to them being poisonous.
If you are looking for a crime/mystery to read this week then check out this book. However this is a great weekend read. This book is under 200 pages. So if you are a fast reader then you could probably finish this in about 1 day.
Thanks for an amazing read R.P.
The Bunnies and I give this book 5 carrots.
I was gifted by book by the author for an honest review.

[Martha Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening of the book absolutely hooks you...a gorgeous blonde handcuffed to the bottom of a vehicle on the side of the highway in 100 degree weather. What a wonderful read this was. If you are going to the beach, the pool or even just staying home and avoiding the heat, this is a great read for you. Both my husband and I loved A Dead Red Oleander although I wouldn't go so far as to say that it is my favorite in the series. That would be tantamount to having a favorite child - just wrong. Each book stands alone and I really appreciate Rebecca Dahlke's skill in introducing you to the characters in every book without boring those of us who have followed them from the first. That takes a deft touch. Lalla Bains is a hoot, gorgeous, crazy as heck, a woman that can manage well in the world of modeling or in a man's world of crop dusting. I hope that lots of return readers caught that Lalla shares not only her real name with her aunt Eula Mae but also a huge heart and an outrageous character. I love Lalla's now steady relationship with Caleb and watching her curmudgeon of a father starting to demonstrate his love for his daughter... though walking his pet Bruce the goat would be really weird in any family but the Bains's! The addition of her zany cousin Pearlie to the cast was wonderful and I believe that we may be seeing a lot more of her in the future. Of course, there is a murder, some unofficial investigation by Lalla and Pearlie and plenty of twists and turns to keep you moving through the book without thinking about putting it down. As usual, another Bains bash! Bravo!

[Marja McGraw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dead Red Oleander by Rebecca Dahlke was light reading, entertaining, and most enjoyable.

Lalla Bains, an aero-ag pilot, is about to go through some life-changing events, including an upcoming wedding. Waking up to find herself handcuffed to the bumper of a truck out in the middle of nowhere is only the beginning – or is it the end?

The new pilot she’s hired for the crop dusting business is murdered during an end-of-the-season party at Lalla’s home, and his wife, Nancy, is the chief suspect. Murder by oleander – not a new concept, but different in this case. Think barbequed oleander. Lalla knows in her heart that Nancy is innocent and she risks everything to prove it, including her relationship with her intended, Caleb.

From eccentric Texas relatives who’ve come to help prepare for Lalla’s wedding, to a father who treats a goat like a pet dog, this story will grab you and it won’t let go. The characters are memorable and enjoyable, and the story is pure fun. I’m hoping Aunt Mae and cousin Pearlie will reappear in future books. I think, and hope, it’s possible.

I highly recommend this book to mystery lovers and anyone who wants to be entertained. Thanks to A Dead Red Oleander, I’m now a fan of Rebecca Dahlke and Lalla Bains.

[Scot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't start a novel like this expecting exquisite cuisine with a fine wine--think more along the lines of a kickass cheeseburger at an old school truck stop, and as long as you don't pay attention to the grease stains or find the clientele around you an issue, you'll do fine.

The writing was sometimes sloppy, and the dialogues trite--but the plot advancement was rollicking and the central character, a feisty, crop-dusting thrice-divorced woman from Fresno who gets involved in solving murders, supported by equally tough and entertaining secondary female characters in the form of her 90 year old grannie and her man-hungry cousin, both visiting from Texas, won me over. It's not great literature, but I found it diverting, and after some very busy days traveling, a relaxing indulgence. It's clearly aimed at a female audience, but as a guy reading it, I actually found the way the author reveals strategies women use against each other when competing for a man's attention to be instructive as well as amusing.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lalla Bains is back in this third book of the Lalla Bains mystery series. A Dead Red Oleander by R.P. Dahlke is a fun, fast-paced mystery, that keeps you guessing, with fun along the way. Someone has killed Dewey Treat and Lalla is determined to find out who and why. Solving the murder is not easy. Twists and turns keep you guessing. In this third book of the series we meet Lalla's Aunt Mae and Cousin Perlie from Texas. Do they help or hinder the investigation? I loved this addition of characters and hope they join Lalla again in number four of the series. I highly recommend A Dead Red Oleander by R.P. Dahlke, a writer who tells a great story and leaves you wanting to read more. What will happen tomorrow/next? Do Aunt Mae and Cousin Perlie return? Will Lalla and Caleb tie the knot? Now that's a good writer and a five star book.

FTC Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author and chose it for review.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WAS THE 3RD BOOK I'VE READ IN THIS SERIES ALL OF THEM WERE VERY ENJOYABLE. I LOVE LALLA & CALEB ALONG WITH HER ZANY GANG OF MISFITS (family & friends), THEY MAY ALL BE KINDA OFF BUT I MEAN THAT IN A GOOD WAY. ;D I LOVE TAGGING ALONG ON HER CRAZY ADVENTURES TRYIN' TO FIGURE OUT WHO-DONE-IT. I LOVE THE HUMOR AND THE CRAZY TOWN THEY LIVE IN, WHAT A BUNCH OF LOVABLE KOOKS. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE (if there will be any) I SAY I'M SICK OF SERIES BUT I DON'T MIND STAND ALONE KIND. WHEN STORY LINES AND CHARACTERS ARE WRITTEN WELL YOU WANT MORE OF THEM YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE ME HANGING OFF THE EDGE OF A CLIFF FOR ME TO KEEP WANTING TO READ YOUR BOOKS. NOT ALL AUTHORS SEEM TO GET THAT.;D

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the characters in this harmless series. Lalla Baines is a cropduster pilot, former model, and snoop. Her fiance Caleb is the sheriff around Modesto, California. Caleb's father is selling the cropdusting business, and at the farewell barbecue for all the pilots, their families, Lalla's eccentric relatives, and the people of the community, one of the pilots suddenly drops dead. Thus begins the next Lalla Baines adventure. More interested in Lalla getting herself and her cousin Pearlie in scrapes, the mystery continues to develop, with several slayings...as is needed in murder mysteries...pleasant airplane read...

[Gae-Lynn Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up the third Lalla Bains mystery without realizing there were two others, but had no problem diving right in. Lalla's a headstrong woman who is very easy to relate to. Her long-suffering beau Caleb is a great character - irritated and frustrated with Lalla's commitment to helping her new friend find out who murdered her husband, but loving Lalla all the more for her determination.

A DEAD RED OLEANDER is a twisty mystery with unforgettable characters and laughs galore. I really enjoyed this one and will have to go back and read the first two books to find out where Lalla got her start! Five stars.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lalla Baines just can't keep her nose out of police business. When Dewey Treat is murdered at her father's ranch and someone tries to kidnap his wife Nancy. Lalla can't stop herself, she must get involved against the wishes of her boyfriend Caleb. Lalla and her cousin Pearlie, is on the trail of a cold blooded killer. Everyone he bribed to find his target is turning up murdered and Lalla is left to die of dehydration or blown to bits by a bomb under the welcome mat. Caleb at his wits end trying to keep her safe, while hunting down a killer. It's got enough quirky characters to keep you amused and turning the pages to learn who the killer is.

[Jinx Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lalla Bains is getting married! What with finally tying the knot with her childhood friend, Sheriff Caleb Stone, just around the corner, and her crop-dusting business practically sold, it looks like life is serving up roses.

Not so fast; first Lalla's got to finish her last crop-dusting season and she's short a pilot. Then she's descended upon by meddlesome Texan relatives who try to highjack her wedding plans, and instead of roses, the poisonous oleander crops up.

This is a fun read, with a little choas, quirky characters, a little murder, and lots of humour. I recommend it.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first RP Dahlke book and it won't be my last. Her crop dusting sleuth, Lalla Bains, has moxie in spades.

Lalla’s fiance, cop Caleb Stone, wants her to leave the Dewey Treat homicide investigation to the professionals, but Dewey was one of her employees. As she investigates, she learns Dewey isn't the man she thought he was, complicating her investigation.

Lalla is relentless in her pursuit of justice, putting life and limb and engagement at risk.

An engaging read!

[Natalie Zirngast · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this mystery series and would give 3.5 stars if I could. Lalla Bains is an ag pilot and gutsy, intuitive investigator. Lots of fun characters and new, unexpected plots keep each book from feeling too much the same. Lalla is less quirky than Stephanie Plum, a good thing as too much quirk can make any coincidences and lucky breaks seem contrived for an investigator. I will be looking out for the next book in this series.

[Flsunluvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can always the summary of a story so I don't bother to write it. These reviews are merely my opinion of the book and I have to say, I really liked this one. Lalla (the main character) has some relatives that you just have to laugh with - her gun toting great-aunt and cousin who come in for her wedding are just hysterical. This is a murder mystery with a good amount of humor thrown in. A nice summer read.

[Mary McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and fun to read

Funny and fun to read

Love her characters. Author knows how to introduce and make characters fun and intriguing. Plot has lots of twists and turns but easy to follow. I enjoyed her style of writing. The cousin from Texas was maddening but you learn to love her.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the "Dead Red" series, with more scheduled in the future. The protagonist, Lalla Bains, is an aero-ag pilot who also manages to get involved in murder mysteries. The writing style is one I enjoy, the characters are interesting, and the murder mystery is well developed with a number of twists. The book didn't "grab" me as tightly as others, but it's a good read anyway.

[Mary Glass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Central California, land of mystery?

The heroine is a down home type who has a knack for solving murders. While finishing the crop dusting season, getting married and trading wisecracks with her colorful relatives. Driving through central California you would never suspect it could be such a hoot. Fluff, but cute.

[Marilyn Groves · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lalla Gaines runs a cropdusting business (she's a pilot herself, and is forced to hire a greenhorn pilot late in the season. But something seems 'off' about this pilot....... especially when he drops dead at the company BBQ.

Lots of fun characters, romance is second to the mystery (thank you), and it was an entertaining read.

[Mrs. Garen L. Herd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I read 4 before 3, but it really didn't matter. I believe each could be standalone. Good mystery and funny. The characters are solid, smart and funny....even the "dumb blondes". They bungle their way through solving a crime heedless of the havoc they cause. And the men in their lives can only shake their heads in confusion. Highly recommend.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun light read

I started in the middle of the series. Very similar to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, even with the cop boyfriend and sassy great aunt instead of grandmother. There's even a line in the book where Lalla says I'm not Stephanie Plum. Ha. But it's still light and fun.

[Nikki E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a kind of generic murder mystery, where you have someone who should not be doing any kind of investigating is doing the investigating. There is a love story intertwined and there are quite a few funny parts. The story had some individual flare with some of the details but it was predictable. I would still recommend it for a quick read as it made me laugh.

[Jakenv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writer always keeps my interest. This one definitely kept me up all night. Cover photo drew my attention & figured anyone who would use a goat had to be creative writer. Story will keep you wanting more.

[Cheryl Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun read

Another fun read in the Dead Red series. Lalla just keeps getting involved in solving murders no matter what Caleb says. I enjoyed meeting her relatives and learning it all runs in the family.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What will happen to Lalla Bains when her father buys a goat? A new sidekick, Bruce the goat and cousin Pearlie Bains set Lalla on a collision to four murders and numerous run-ins with a contract killer from Las Vegas. A non-stop ride on the wild side I am sure you will enjoy.