Lifeless in the Lilies

Lovely Lethal Gardens #12

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags. … Chaos calms. … Suddenly it’s quiet. … Too quiet if Doreen’s involved!

What was supposed to be a leisurely stroll through a peaceful cemetery after a recent funeral turns into the start of a new case. Someone clobbers Doreen over the head and leaves her facedown among the funeral flowers.

Is it random violence? Revenge? A warning of worse to come?

No one knows, not even Doreen, but one thing is certain: the attack enabled the disappearance—perhaps the abduction?—of Doreen’s beloved African gray parrot, Thaddeus. Frantic, Doreen foregoes a trip to the emergency room in favor of heading straight home, where she hopes Thaddeus will return sooner rather than later.

But when he does, the bird sports an SOS message fastened around his ankle, leading Doreen to a odd corner of town and a curious little boy who know one will talk about.

Now someone is leaving threats on Doreen’s doorstep and then delivering threats in person …

Between birds and boys and Corporal Mack Moreau’s brother, the lawyer looking into her divorce situation, Doreen has her hands full. And that’s before her former lawyer shows up unexpectedly at her home! Off-balance by all these events, Doreen opens her door to someone with a serious grudge to take her down …

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

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2021

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

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next book.

I love this series so much. I was so eager to see what adventures Doreen and her animals got into this time round. I was not disappointed. Doreen is the person in the lilies and it’s up to her and Mack to find who and why. Her animals as usual are by her side until one goes missing. A mysterious little boy called Isaac sets Doreen’s mind going when she hears rumours about a big guy and the anger he dishes out when questioned. I loved this story and OMG at the next one. I love all of the characters in these books and I look forward to seeing all of rewards Doreen will get, her divorce from her ex husband and any future love between her and Mack.

[Zae]

Hmm...this might be the last book of the series that I will be listening to. I am not in love with the new narrator or the writing of this book.

It feels like someone else wrote this book. There is such a change in the voice of the writing. It seems like Doreen and Mack are brand new characters, and not in a good way. They are not progressing, also Dale Mayer forgot some big parts of her own story. One instance is that, Mack was trying to help her get a job and gave her the information about the city garden job (Corpse in the Carnations). In this book he seems to have forgotten all about the job and what it was about. I could be picky, but that bothers me.

Also, she is even more naïve in this book if that is possible. Doreen has forgotten all that Mack has done for her. She sounds like a petulant three year old, "I can do it myself!" attitude. The whole, I don't want my friends who are police officers to get hurt from her horrible ex. Also, could this be the last time we hear about her ex monitoring her weight? She says it no less than 100 times per chapter. The story about her ex only slightly grew in the book. She now added domestic violence (not advocating or condoning this behavior) but it does give a bit more depth of how horrible he was. Not saying emotional abuse and gaslighting isn't bad, but it helps to add to the why Doreen didn't leave before.

In previous books, Doreen would start recording at the drop of a hat but in this book she seems to have forgotten how record when she suspect that she might be in danger and/or people might start confessing. But at the climax of this story, she does nothing. Nada. Zip. No taking a photo of the car, the person, license plate. Nothing.

Also, who texts someone when you are in danger instead of calling? Yeah...that's plausable. So when you have time to hid, why not call the cops? She instead decides it is best to scream for help. Serious chin scratching on that one.

Lastly, even lovable, worldly, outspoken Nan is different in this book. She is more old lady instead of eccentric old lady like in the previous books.

Actually, this is lastly. Another irritation is the money issue. She has a few thousand dollars in her bank account from the sell of the motor parts, yet she keeps saying she only has the money in the bowl and waiting on the rest of the money to come in. Seriously, who forgets they have thousands of dollars in the bank????

Normally it is book three that breaks me from a series, but I've enjoyed all of the books except for this one. All in all...this is the series good but this one is a bummer.

[Emily Hean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, the book was good, the plot was there, and the mysteries were so fun, but I really lost it at the big reveal at the end.

They rescue a woman who was kidnapped at age 12, held hostage and raped for 10 years, and has not left a house/shed in all that time, and immediately flaunt her in front of the whole neighbourhood? "This woman was here and you didn't notice!! Her name is Izzy!" I just found that part so unbelievable because I can't imagine the police letting that happen. I found it even less believable when she exited the vehicle to announce to the group of neighbours, "It's true! I was kidnapped at age 12 and held here!" Obviously, I am not able to speak on that sort of tragedy, but it just felt very fake and weird to me, sort of akin to one of those "And they all stood up and clapped" stories on the internet.

Will I keep reading? Duh. I need to know if Mack makes his move or not. But the quality of these seems to disappoint me in new ways with the publication of each book.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen is getting pushed out of her comfort zone but that doesn’t mean she has to like it!! In this lad test adventure, Doreen is at the cemetery so what could possibly go wrong? Waking up injured after a blow to the head answers that! To top it of, it appears Thaddeus has been birdnapped!!! Now with multiple mysteries to solve, who is after Doreen, who birdnapped Thaddeus and what’s up with the note he came home with? How is the mysterious little boy in that creepy neighborhood? And are they all connected? Finally, Doreen can’t put of meeting Nick the Lawyer anymore ( such a funny scene) and she has to face some hard truths about her avoidance issues regarding her ex and the divorce. Anddd why is her former lawyer in town?? Poor Doreen, actually, poor Mack, how is he to keep Doreen out of trouble now???

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up speed! This cozy mystery series is gathering steam, fast paced, lots of action and poor Doreen really bares the brunt of it all through out the book. As Doreen searches for where Thaedeus had gone, or was he taken, she meets Isaac. The little boy appears to need help. She just wants to make sure he has a home, that he is ok. The neighbors all try and shoo her on her way at various times leaving you to wonder just what is going on. When it comes out.....well it was pit of the stomach moment, one they themselves were not aware of. We (Doreen too) finally meet Mac's brother, Nick, the lawyer. This sets of another set of worries. There is a lot more happening in this one book and can be read as a stand alone. Thank you Dale Mayer and Booksprout for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[ClassicKails · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series in audiobook form.<3

I can't wait until the rest come out on audiobook form! Which will probably be a long time. :[

But nonetheless, I love this series so much. Doreen and Mack just need to be together already. Her little zoo and her Nan make my heart smile with joy. With Doreen solving cases and with the help of her trusty partner detective and dear friend, Mack. Nothing can go wrong..well sort of. Lol

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this book opens, Nan and Doreen are attending Rosie's funeral, as it ends, Doreen feels the need to reflect on that case which took so many lives. After replacing a lily she picked up to smell, she's straightening up sensing someone approaching. Then she's out cold.

When Nan can't reach her, Mack finds she's not home, her car's not there either. He takes Thaddeus, Goliath and Mugs to the cemetery where he sees her car, but not her. It's Mugs who finds her unconscious, quickly joined by Goliath but Thaddeus wanders off. Now Doreen is prickly at the best of times, but injured and learning Thaddeus is missing just makes her more so.

Mack isn't taking no for an answer, she's going to the hospital to be checked out and he will take care of Goliath and Mugs. Everyone else will be looking for Thaddeus.

Thaddeus does however manage to find his way home, but not without Doreen assuming he needs rescue from the log he's riding down the river. Of course she ends up in the river much to Mack's dismay.

She's also hoping to delay the meeting with Mack's brother who's now her lawyer. Mack isn't going to let that happen though and the beginning of this meeting is downright hilarious.

Nick outlines what he's already done and what he intends to do on her behalf, all she has to do is sign the paperwork. Which she eventually does, then she and Mack head to the station to look at some stills from the cemetery security cameras. What she finds surprises her, but also makes her realize that not only is she in danger but her friends may be as well.

The note they found on Thaddeus' leg also brings surprises as they investigate further into where Thaddeus had wandered. People from Doreen's past also start popping up, making her very worried for Mack's brother.

I love these stories, trouble just finds Doreen even when she's not looking. The arguments she has with Mack are hysterical in that they sound like an old married couple. Seems everyone realizes there's something there except them. Of course she's still not divorced so we can't expect more than friendship between them yet.

I really can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen Montgomery has just finished attending a funeral in Kelowna and is wandering around the cemetery when someone hits her over the head and leaves her lying facedown among the funeral flowers. No one knows the reason who or why but it does enable Thaddeus the African grey parrot to disappear (or even be abducted?). Doreen is so overwrought that she refuses a trip to the ER to be checked and goes straight home hoping that Thaddeus has already returned there. When he eventually turns up he has an SOS message tied to his ankle which leads Doreen to a corner of the town she is unfamiliar with where she spots a curious little boy that no one will talk about. The Doreen starts to get threats to her doorstep and then in person. Add together Thaddeus, the little boy and Corporal Mack Moreau’s brother, who is the lawyer looking into her divorce situation, Doreen has her hands full. It reaches a crescendo when her former lawyer turns up at her door and then in a muddle, she opens her front door to someone who has a serious grudge to take her down - will it all work out or will Doreen get hurt (or worse)?

This was certainly a dramatic story which had plenty of action from all sorts of areas. There were two distinct areas of interest but it took some time before it became clear that they were not related. I found the plot involving Doreen being hit over the head interesting and I would like to know how that might continue in the next book in the series. As for the story with Thaddeus's disappearance and the little boy that was a deep mystery that was incredibly sad as well as a source of joy at the end. Well written and easy to read, feel and understand.

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

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful book in the "Lovely Lethal Gardens" series.
Slightly eccentric but headstrong Doreen Montgomery has gone from being married and cheated on by her very wealthy controlling husband to living in a house given to her by her nan but with no income.
Realizing that she has a knack of solving mysteries she has helped her friend Corporal Mack Moreau of the Kelowna PD solve quite a few cold cases, Mack is thankful for the help but I think that secretly he would rather she stayed at home and learned to cook.
Sleuthing has gained Doreen many friends but it has also made her a few enemies, when she is knocked unconscious in a cemetery whilst attending a funeral Mack is really worried about her safety but as usual Doreen jumps in with both feet oblivious of the danger.
Who attacked Doreen, was it her husband, furious because she had started divorce proceedings, or was it a perpetrator of some of the crimes that she has solved ?
Where did Thaddeus her beloved parrot disappear to, what did the note strapped to his foot mean ?
Was there only Doreen and Mack that couldn't see that they were meant for each other ?
Do Doreen and her beloved menagerie, Mugs the dog, Goliath the cat, and talking parrot Thaddaeus live to fight another day ?

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

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting suspense filled cozy mystery.We join Doreen and her quirky pets mugs the dog,goliath the cat and Thaddeus the parrot as they get in a search for a message left on Thaddeus leg.When attending a funeral for a little old lady that killed several more old people Doreen walks around until the crowd leaves.She finally comes back an whispers I hope you are fininally at peace.Just as she's turning to leave someone hits her an everything goes black.When she starts to come too she hears a dog barking as she tries to sit up Mack says stay down you were unconscious way for the medics to check you out.Then he says you may want to call more vs off before he attacks someone.Mugs runs to Doreen followed by goliath when she asks where Thaddeus is Mack says he's missing.Doreen is trying to get up but gets dizzy an sits back down.She's taken to the hospital where she checks herself out first chance she gets.When she calls Mack he is angry she checked herself out.There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page an leave you begging for more.I love the way this multi talented author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions an their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this amazing author.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lifeless in the Lilies is the 12th book in the Lovely Lethal Gardens alphabet series. Doreen has a knack for getting in trouble. She stumbles into a mystery and cannot let it go until the cold case is solved. The book starts out with Doreen unconscious from a blow to the head. Doreen has made a lot of enemies solving cold cases, so it is not easy finding out who attacked her. Then there is the mysterious note she receives: “Help. I am being held captive.” While trying to solve these two mysteries, Doreen meets with a lawyer to sue the divorce lawyer who had her sign a divorce settlement giving Doreen nothing while the lawyer moved in with her ex-husband. That is just not right. Suing the lawyer, just creates another suspect in a long list who would want to harm Doreen. I just loved this book, the interactions between Doreen and her policeman friend Mack, are great. Everyone but Doreen and Mack, know they will become an item and I can’t wait for it to happen. Until then I will just have to wait for the next book.

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

[Herluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen se fait agresser lorsqu’elle se trouve au cimetière, quand elle reprend connaissance, elle voit Mack, Golliath et Mugs, mais elle s’aperçoit vite que Thaddeus a disparu. Quand il réapparait quelques heures plus tard, avec un message de détresse attaché à sa patte, elle décide de mener sa petite enquête.

Niveau vie privée, elle se décide enfin de rencontre le frère de Mack, ce dernier étant avocat l’aide face à son divorce houleux. Mais cela réveille la peur de Doreen face à son mari.

Enquête vraiment captivante par rapport à la dernière, je voulais absolument savoir ce qui était arrivé à Thaddeus et surtout qui est l’identité de la personne qui a écrit ce message de détresse. J’ai bien été surprise du dénouement.

Dans ce tome, la vie privée de Doreen avance enfin, on va pouvoir peut-être connaitre le dénouement concernant son divorce. Mais maintenant que son ancienne avocate est venue jusqu’à chez elle, je suis en train de me demander dans quels ennuis va-t-elle se mettre dans le prochain tome.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrator for this book was new to the series. After listening to the first 11 books by the previous narrator, her narration took a bit to get used to hearing. Of course, at first, everyone sounded different than the last book.

I did not care much for Doreen in this book. She seemed to think she was bulletproof. She did not exhibit any level of caution in anything she did or said. I thought she was often both rude and condescending to Mack which was surprising considering all he had done for her. Even Nan seemed surprised by her behavior.

Doreen's behavior was so far removed from any semblance of reality that it was way OTT. Why walk out to meet someone who has done you harm and known to be untrustworthy? Why open the door for someone you know to be dangerous? Why confront not 1, not 2, but 3 men by yourself who you suspect of being dangerous? And I won't even go into the behavior at the hospital.

I am all for suspending reality to a point, but Doreen's character took it to far for me in this one.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lifeless in the Lilies

WOW! Another FANTASTIC story by Dale! Doreen is at a funeral but once the funeral is over, she stays behind to view some of the graves. Unfortunately, she is surprised when someone hits her on the back of the head and knocks her out! When she wakes up, she discovers that Thaddeus is missing. She panics and Mack insists she go to the hospital. Once she leaves the hospital, she goes in search of her bird. She finally finds him floating in the river and she tries to grab him but promptly falls in. Doreen had so much trouble but she always gets her mysteries solved. She is injured twice when she is shot but she is able to solve the mystery of the message Thaddeus had tied to his leg. I am happy for the gal and her son. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book! I definitely can't wait for the next book! These stories just keep getting more intense.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more books that I read in this series the more that I love them. Someone has hit Doreen over the head after she attended a funeral. When Mack finds her, her African gray parrot Thaddeus is missing. Doreen is so upset about Thaddeus that she leaves the hospital. Mack just wants to keep her safe while searching for the person that attacked her. When Doreen spots Thaddeus floating on a log in the creek, she quickly rescues him. Doreen now has her mystery to solve when she sees the note for help attached to Thaddeus. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love seeing how Doreen is evolving through the start of this series and how persistent she is in following clues. I also love her friendship with Mack. I also love her collection of animals that help to keep her save. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Janet Redhead Tree Frog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's just get this out of the way-- the new narrator is pretty awful. I almost couldn't get through the book and will definitely try to find these in a different format now. The whole tone is different. The characters felt like strangers.. like an entirely new cast.
Previously, Doreen came off as naïve but kind and determined.. now she just seems rude and spoiled and convinced that she is the only capable one in the room.
Previously, Mack came off as frustrated, sure.. but also kind, patient and obviously charmed.. but now he seems frustrated and mean.

I'm into the over-arcing story and really don't want to give up on the series, but.. listening to this one was brutal.

One the plus side, after the weird decision to make most of book 11 about building a deck and just a tiny portion of the book dedicated to the mystery.. this one does return to focusing on the mystery.. and also gives us a bit of momentum on the over-arcing story lines. Finally!

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loads going on in this story right from the first page, Doreen carries on despite circumstances. Injuries and the animals stepping up to help. Mack is wonderful throughout and even Nan sees his feelings have developed into not just friendship, I really hope that Doreen starts to move on in the right direction soon. The animals as always bring a certain amount of lightness and fun to the plot which I love. Several threats abound but also another cold case adds to the tension, as usual Doreen starts working out the clues and solves the case. We end on a cliff hanger which is the lead into the next book and it seems Doreen might be the investigation this time. Fun, exciting and intense but oh so good, has to be one of my favourite series. Started 21/1/21 finished 23/1/21

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love reading the Lovely Lethal Gardens series . After Doreen attended a funeral she was walking around the cemetery when someone knocked her over the head . As she came too she learns Thaddeus her African Grey Parrot is missing . Later Thaddeus shows up but he is not himself . Doreen finds a note around his foot Help me . Of course Doreen cannot sit and do nothing . She sets out to trace where Thaddeus may have been . Mack is searching for Doreen's attacker but he also has to keep his eye on Doreen as she always gets herself in trouble . The whole crew makes this a fantastic story with humor , intrigue and suspense . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen has done it again! The story starts with a bang or rather a hit over the head leaving Doreen in the flowers. Thaddeus is missing, Doreen is unconscious and the plot thickens as she finds more trouble. The fascinating, always feisty, sometimes to the point of almost rude as our lady pushes on to find the truth. She finds past mixed with present on more levels than she anticipates. She has more suspects than usual. We finally get to meet Nick, Mack's brother, a lawyer who is suppose to help Doreen deal with the odd circumstances of her divorce which is another story in itself. All in all a delightful tale in a equally delightful series to which I have become quite attached. Can't wait to see what the next book will find in the Marigolds.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, another great mystery

This book had a great mystery. I love that the heroine is tenacious and will not stop until her concerns are addressed. She is a hero in this book. And there were actually two separate mysteries to solve. I love how the author gives more than a token mystery. I also love following along in the heroine's life as she struggles to make ends meet, and her friends force her to stand up to her husband, who is cheating her out of her rightful settlement in the pending divorce. I have taken great pleasure in watching her take her Nan's house and make it her own. I am so looking forward to seeing how the divorce ends up, how much she gets for Nan's antiques, and how she is going to refurnish the house her Nan (grandmother) gave her.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Doreen is wandering around the cemetery mulling over things that had happened since she had moved to Kelowna, trouble is following her as well. Her last thought is that Mac would find her as she collapsed among the lilies. Mac does find her but only because of Mugs and Goliath, Thaddeus wandered off on an adventure. The series is getting better and better. Things are happening at a quicker pace and she is sure it is because of Mac's attorney brother, helping her with the shenanigans of her ex-lawyer and husband. Thaddeus is depressed. Everything seems to be up in the air and no one knows what is going on.

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

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the twelfth in the Lovely Lethal Garden mystery series. I listened to the book via Hoopla.
Doreen has been attacked in the cemetery, Thaddeus goes missing, and someone named Isaac or Izzy leaves a cryptic message tied to Thaddeus’s leg asking for help. While Doreen’s plate is full, her ex-lawyer shows up to add to the stress and chaos.

Doreen still has not received payment from the auction house but has contacted them and it will be a few more weeks before her payments process. Will Doreen and Mack figure out who left her for dead in the cemetery and who and why the message for help? This book is filled with action and some tense scenes.

I loved it! I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book, this is the 12th book in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series and I honestly can't get enough of Doreen, Mack and the trio of animals.
Doreen is found knocked out at the cemetery by Mack and the infamous trio minus one. Doreen and Mack go on the search for the missing Thaddeus and when he turns up depressed, mumbling about a Big Boy and a note wrapped around his leg, Doreen is on a new mission. I love how we finally meet Mack's brother as Doreen's new lawyer, we meet the old lawyer and a hit man.

Well-written story, intriguing storyline, wonderful characters. Loved it.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series, it has me laughing every time.
Doreen and her animals are on another hunt to solve a mystery. Where did the bird go and who is "big guy" and why is he depressed? Doreen has someone after her, is it a scare tactic or attempted murder?
Mack's brother is on the case for her divorce too, she was swindled out of so much and despite her reluctance we all want to see what is coming for her ex.
Once again the author pulls all the clues together and leave me thinking, well I didn't see that coming! I'm so looking forward to the next book after the tease at the end of this one.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things hit a lot closer to home for Doreen this time around not only for herself by getting attacked and having to face some people from her past but also for Thaddeus. We have three mysteries with this book who is after Doreen, who took Thaddeus and what is the little boy Isaac and good luck guessing any of them as there are so many red herrings, twists and surprises you aren't sure what will be uncovered next! I can't wait for the next book although I worry for Doreen not just for how the last book finished but also for what the ripple effect will be due to Mack's brother.

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

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you laugh out loud at the antics of the main character Doreen and her three pets. Doreen has been trying to solve cold cases in her town, to the dismay of her best friend Mac, who is a detective. Doreen has the help of her three pets and cannot help but get into tricky situations, but her pets, or Mac seem to be there when she needs help. This book is funny, yet keeps you guessing till the very end. You will fall in love with all of the characters, including the three animals. I suggest this book if you love a good mystery and a good laugh!

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

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much better than the last book (k)!!!

I'm so very happy this book was as entertaining as the earlier books in this series. I guess every author has their off days. This was extremely riveting and I just couldn't stop reading. Lots and lots of twists and turns and so much more interaction with the animals. The last couple of books had very little of Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus. Since they're supposed to be part of the main characters I'm glad to see them back and muchly involved. Great story line! Enjoyed the characters, also! Will now be getting on to the M book. Love this series!!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen was having a rough day. A nasty surprise in the cemetery and one of her pets is missing. Enemies in the shadows, a battle looming. Change is coming for Doreen and her guard of animals, both with her life and her environment. This is a standalone book, although it is so much better when read in the series. A friendship moving to a gentle romance, a story of empowerment as Doreen finds herself and takes a look around at the people in her life. A warm tale, with humor and sunshine. Bravo!!

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

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I have been anxiously awaiting this book and it did not disappoint. I enjoy reading about Doreen and Mack as they "work together" to solve old cases. Doreen's Nan and her animal menagerie just add to the hilarity and sense of family through the books. Doreen's concern about Thaddeus was heartwarming and genuine to see. I thought my anticipation for this book would not be topped, but the teaser for Murder in the Marigolds has me on the edge of my seat.

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

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lovely Lethal Gardens series continues to get better with book twelve, "Lifeless in the Lilies" that completely pulled me in from the first page and kept me on the edge of my seat until I read the last word with wonderful characters, twists, turns, and a must-solve mystery. I love Doreen Montgomery, gardener and resident sleuth, who solves cold cases in Kelowna, British Columbia with the help of her lovable cat, dog and parrot. If you enjoy well-crafted, can't-put-down cozies, don't miss this book. I received an advance reader copy from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.