Offed in the Orchids

Lovely Lethal Gardens #15

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags … Finally it’s calm … At least for the moment … If she’s lucky …

Needing a break from all the murder and mayhem, Doreen and Mack plan an outing to see the local orchid show. Some of the displays are in the community center, but the more prized specimens of this genus require a visit to some of the gardeners’ homes, a rare opportunity not afforded to everyone.

This trip, not quite a date, affords Doreen a chance to enjoy not only the company of Mack but to get to know a few more of the colorful locals. But, when one of these locals ends up dead just after their visit, the dark underbelly of orchid growing is exposed and, with it, an old murder, … not to mention another new one.

Doreen and Mack just can’t catch a break. But can they catch a killer before he kills again?

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

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 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

[mili_on_a_book_adventure · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always it is an absolute pleasure to read books in this series! They truly bring so much joy to me.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The definition of cozy mystery is the Lethal Garden Series. They are pure entertainment wrapped in a mystery. Doreen needs to be a profiler, that women can read people. This one was several mysteries. The main - orchids and murder. Loved the twists and surprises. Each mystery always shows the different sides of relationships, good and bad. There was the encompassing love of do anything for someone, a destructive familial love do anything and we had the joy of watching Doreen and Mac explore their friendship. Mugs, Thaddeus and Goliath were their courageous, joyous self. This is such a great change of pace. A series that entertains, makes me think but doesn't dwell in darkness. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awwww Doreen and Mack what are we going to do with you? Also family, can’t live with em, can’t kill them, or in this lasted mystery, can youuuuuu???😂😂😂 who knew that a fun orchid tour for Mack and Doreen would lead to a current murder? and a possible cold case. And what’s with the little old lady screaming bloody murder just down the street and a dead body in her house? Is she really off her rocker, or pretty crafty judging by that sly glint in her eyes?

Darleen just can’t catch a break with these murders, but she’s tapping into previously unknown talents and possible ways to earn an income. Goliath and Thaddeus are still battling, and Mack is slowly working his way into being a permanent part of their little family.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much. As this book opens Doreen and Mack finally go on a date and of course all her animals go with them. I love Goliath, Thaddeaus, and Mugs they are so much a part of every one of these stories as they repeatedly come to Doreen's aid.

Their date is an Orchid tour, a flower that Doreen is familiar with yet hasn't ever attempted to grow on her own. It appears this flower has quite the cutthroat competition especially when creating a new variation.

There are several interesting characters we meet that will be become important later. I do love this date and every interaction between Doreen and Mack.

It's a good thing they finished eating and had a bit of a walk before Mack gets called in to work.

We see a lot of Nan in this one too, always the instigator.

I really can't wait for Doreen's divorce to be resolved, that will be an interesting book.

In the mean time finding the murder and solving the cold case involved is plenty of fun and intrigue.

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

5 Contented Purrs for Dale!

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given a higher rating, but Doreen is still grating on my nerves. The stories are good. The characters are good. She started out naive, but has morphed into completely self absorbed and annoying. Please get her back on track. If Doreen gets any more annoying, I will move on from this series.

[Terry Polston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book only 3 stars because either the writing or the editing was off. There were a lot of sentences that were incomplete or just grammatically confusing. I've been told to never start a sentence with 'and', there were several in this book. I read the Kindle edition.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifteenth book in the "Lovely Lethal Garden" series, each one a standalone and each one as entertaining as the last.
It wasn't very often that Corporal Mack Moreau and Doreen Montgomery went out together even though they were best friends, today they were going to the Orchid Festival which entailed visiting the homes of the competing growers, Doreen was so excited.
Doreen had lived in a gilded cage with her soon to be, cheating, ex husband, she was living in a house given to her by her Nan and Mack was teaching her how to cope on her own.
Doreen had nothing to do, she had no job or qualifications and money was tight, she did however have a talent for weeding out information and solving cold crime cases, much to the frustration of the long suffering Mack.
As with all this series of tongue in cheek books, it wasn't long before the first murder occurred and then they escalated, some cold but some still hot, Doreen was once again to put her life in danger.
I love slightly dippy Doreen and the fact that she and dependable Mack are getting even more cosy together. I love her interfering Nan who is always there for Doreen and appears to know everything about everyone in the small town of Kelowna and I love Doreen's menagerie of pets, Mugs the Basset Hound, Goliath the cat and Thaddeus the outrageous parrot. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offed in the Orchids is the 15th book in the Lovely Lethal Gardens alphabet series. In each book, Doreen either finds a clue in a garden or a murder has occurred, and the body is found in a garden. Mack is Doreen’s friend and a local police officer. Mack hates it when Doreen gets involved with his current cases. Over time they have come up with an understanding that Doreen won’t get involved in current cases, but she will continue investigating cold cases. Just like in other books, Doreen is threatened by the murderer and her menagerie of pets (parrot, cat, and dog) save the day. On the personal side, Doreen and Mack have started going on dates leading to a more romantic relationship. Mack has always been frustrated with how Doreen always gets herself in trouble and in this book, you see how much he cares for her and how worried he is about her safety. Unfortunately, due to issues with Doreen’s divorce, Doreen can’t get too involved with Mack until her divorce is worked out. These books are very enjoyable and easy to read. I really like Doreen’s quirkiness and her relationship with Mack. I can’t wait to find out how that all works out.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is at it again doing her detective thing much to the frustration of her BFF, Corporal Mack Moreau who is actually a real detective.. Doreen is attracted to cold cases and sometimes to cases that aren't so old. Mack spends a lot of time trying unsuccessfully keep her out of trouble. They both decide to get away from it all with a trip to the orchid festival which seemed like a good idea at the time. Knowing Doreen, it would be an adventure to say the least! Between Nan (Doreen's grandmother) and the pets (Thaddeus (a parrot who says the strangest things), Mugs (the lovable basset hound), and Goliath (a Maine coon who does not like a leash) you will never find a dull moment. Doreen likes to keep the pets with her which proves challenging. However, they prove to be not only loving and fun but quite protective as well. All in all a fun read and I can't wait to see what the pansies provide in the next story.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offed in the Orchids by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Fifteen
Doreen Montgomery doesn’t look for trouble…it just finds her. Even on days when she’s at an orchid tour with her good friend, the handsome Corporal Mack Moreau of the RCMP. Of course, she has her faithful crew with her on the tours: Mugs her Basset, Goliath her Maine coon cat, and Thaddeus her African Grey…who has been acting a bit evil lately.
Nick, Mack’s brother, is a lawyer who is helping her with the divorce. Her first lawyer, now dead, had screwed her out of anything. Meanwhile, that same lawyer had been in bed with the enemy…AKA, the soon-to-be-ex. As pampered arm candy for fourteen years, Doreen is trying to learn the skills needed to exist. Cook, clean, earn money to pay her bills, and get groceries.
Wonderful characters, especially the pets, always have me giggling while reading. I really enjoy this cozy series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I said that in some of my previous reviews that I am committed to this series in spite of the way I feel about Doreen.

I liked the way the cold case and the recent case tie in together. I liked the fact that she and Mack were finally moving forward in their relationship.

I didn't like the fact that Doreen seemed to be getting more arrogant. It was almost like she believed she was impervious to danger. Doreen went against every single thing Mack asked her NOT to do. To me at least, she seems to make it pretty clear that Mack and the police department are incapable of doing their jobs without her assistance.

As much as Doreen stated she was so nice, I was not feeling it. She pushed her way into situations and didn't share info with Mack until SHE decided he needed to know. Not cute behavior at all.

I can't imagine Doreen will get any better, but I am determined to see this journey through until the very end.

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Mac takes Doreen to the orchid show, Doreen is surprised to see the number of people that are competing and their competitiveness. Soon after they visit the show, Mac is called in to investigate the death of the oldest participant. In honor of her, Doreen decides to investigate the cold case of the woman's son. Soon much to Mac's dismay, Doreen finds yet another dead body. Her curiosity gets her into danger, but Mac and her pets try to be there in the nick of time. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love how there is more than one mystery for Doreen to solve in this story. I also love that it is more than her curiosity that drives her to solve cases. She wants to bring people closure. It's wonderful to watch Doreen and Mac's relationship slowly evolve as well.

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW//CW death, domestic abuse, elder abuse, mental illness, murder

Yes...yes...I love this one. Cozy mystery always brighten up my day and put a big smile on my face.

This time Doreen and her fur babies found a cold case when they're out on date with Mack, yup let me repeat, Doreen on a date with Mack, yup Doreen and Mack on a date. This is makes me delighted.
Aside from this lovey dovey couple, I love the mystery too, family secrets, lies, love, murder, great ingredients for a great cozy mystery. Although the cute romance take the spotlight and some parts a bit unbelievable for me, I still enjoying it nonetheless.

Good cozy mystery that's heavy with romance and loveable couple, definitely recommended for everyone who's looking for an easy-to-read cute cozy mystery.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen and Mack's day out to enjoy some orchids and forget about all the murders and mayhem that's been happening doesn't quiet go to plan but what you think will happen gets switched up which was a nice surprise but alas Doreen is still pulled into a mystery and a murder. Not only do we get a good murder to solve including an old and new one (much to Mack's chagrin lol) but things are definitely changing for Doreen and Mack and I liked how he took his chance down by the river. This turned out to be one of my most favorite in this series and I can't wait to see where things go next for Mack and Doreen!!

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

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful entry for this series that I'm always thrilled to dive back into. What do they say about best laid plans? Well, that certainly holds true in this new outing for Doreen and the crew. The smartly crafted combination of mystery, drama, humor and twists, quickly pulled me in and had me snatching every spare moment I could to squeeze in a couple more pages. And let us not forget about the slowly simmering and oh, so enticing relationship brewing between Mack and Doreen. This was really just an all around excellent book. It kept me guessing, made me laugh and had me rooting for these beloved characters. This is my independent, impartial review.

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

Doreen does it again, she finds herself tangled up in a murder. Poor Mack, she'll be the death of him.
She has this uncanny knack of solving a mystery, there's actually one that one in this story. An old murder and more than one current one. Which is murder, which is accident and how many secrets are there?
I love that Doreen and Mack's relationship is evolving. If only her divorce could have closure so she'll feel free to love again.
Of course her menagerie steal the show again. The antics that bird gets up to have me laughing out loud.
Great story and a fantastic series, I highly recommend it.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We go along with Doreen and her quirky pets as they get involved in a cold case that ties to a new case Mack is investigating.Doreen,the pets can't seem to stop getting into trouble.When Mack took Doreen out to an Orchids show the they had lunch at the beach where Mack kissed Doreen for the first time.Doreen doesn't want to start anything until the divorce is final.There are so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author beings the story to life before your eyes an you can feel the characters emotions an their pain.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Offed in the Orchids

WOW! Another FANTASTIC story by Dale! This one has Doreen looking at Gloria and her disturbed past. Doreen had a way of always getting into trouble. Once she started digging into Gloria's past, it was clear Gloria was not the saint everyone thought she was. Meanwhile, Doreen keeps calling Mack's brother for updates on her own divorce case. Doreen finally cracks another cold case but finds that her solving the case almost got her killed but once again her animals came to the rescue. And - gasp - Mack finally kisses Doreen. It's about time! FANTASTIC job Dale! I highly recommend this book. Cannot wait for the next book!

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Its the slowly building and budding relationship between Doreen and Mack that gets it for me. I also love her 3 intrepid pet follows in the guise of Goliath the Maine coon, Thaddeus The Parrot and Mugs the Bassett Hound. We cant forget her nan and the people at the home where nan lives.

This time Doreen is off to see some orchids. She sees nice people on the way but then she sees some not so nice. As usual she uses her amateur detective skills to find out what is happening in the world of the Orchid. Some funny moments along the way and some serious. I really cant get enough of this story and cant wait for more to come.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A local orchid show, a time to relax for Mack and Doreen. Simple, right? Relaxing? Never so simple. Each book of the Lovely Lethal Gardens is a standalone but each builds on the story of Doreen and finding herself, finding out her friendship with Mack. A warm book for all ages, a gentle romance and beloved (and colorful) characters. Unexpected turns are the norm, making it a page turning book of mystery. I look forward to each book in the series.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something is wrong with Doreen. She is playing stupid and acting contrary with Mack. It slowly comes to light that she is worried more than usual about money. She just found out about the property taxes along with dwindling pet food and coffee. To get her mind off of her troubles Mack takes her to the Orchids Festival where she again gets drawn into a cold case. This one involves three family members over a 70 year period who have died.

I like cozy mysteries and this series makes me smile.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story and this series . I always look forward to the next one when I finish the current one . I am never disappointed . Doreen is drawn in to another one of Macks cases and her animal pals are by her side . Mack and Doreen's attraction is growing stronger . Mack is patiently waiting for Doreen's divorce to be settled . Doreen finds herself in danger and her animals and Mack might have to come to her rescue .
I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully entertaining series that continues to get better with a great cast of characters and a good mystery that I couldn't put down because I had to know what adventures Doreen and her lovable pets were going to have. So excited to see a budding romance may be developing between Doreen and Mack - I've been rooting for them to get together because they have great chemistry. If you want to kick back, relax and escape for a little while, enjoy Offed in the Orchids by gifted author Dale Mayer. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The competition is back on in the town. This time over the lovely orchids. But along the wày, secrets are found out, murder is committed and a very special kiss is involved. Doreen, her menagerie, Nan, and Mack are always so exciting to read about; I have to read as fast as I can to see what happens. Loving this series.

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

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack finally gets Doreen to open her eyes on a chance to move their relationship forward but doreen needs to complete and say good bye to her past first. Together they are slowly growing but the road blocks keep on coming. Cpld cases and current cases are now togrther. Working to solve each of them. More life lessons are found and new friendships are started. This story gives Doreen time for personal growth which is great to see. Love this series.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are going to go see the orchids and it will include seeing them in their owners home. They are hoping to have a quiet time to enjoy the time being together. Unfortunately a murder occurs and they will be pulled into the investigation. Who is behind the murder? Can they stop them before another murder happens? Can they uncover them? See just how they get on

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

I'm absolutely loving this Lovely Lethal Gardens series, well-written with a fast-paced intriguing storyline. The slow intimate relationship between Doreen and Mack is continuing as they get to know each other while solving more cold cases and giving Mack more headaches... the menagerie of animals is great, each pet has their personality. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Lethal Garden series. Offed in the Orchids is another tough mystery for Doreen to solve. So many laugh out loud moments, thanks to Thadeus.
I can almost heart the African Grey cackle he does, and it cracks me up every time. His little personality, as well as the other animals is comical and sweet.
Orchids are tricky to care for, and I can see how competitive people would get over them haha.
These books always make me smile.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen and Mack tour an orchid show only to come across a cold case murder and find a new murder that could be connected. This case had a lot of twists and turns for Doreen to navigate. The animals are always ever present and of course help her when she gets in over her head. It's also nice to see her relationship with Mack growing. Love this series. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and Mack once again encounter a mystery. This time, while on a date to see orchids, they find a body. As usual, mayhem and laughter follows the pair and the animals as Doreen solves the mystery. Really enjoyed this installment, they just keep getting better. Love the mystery, bits of romance and all the wonderful characters.

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