Revenge in the Roses

Lovely Lethal Gardens #18

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags. ... Bullets start flying. ... Rage is rising, ... especially for some!

When the journey to Rosemoor for a celebratory evening turns deadly, Doreen’s life is flipped on her head. She can only watch in horror as Mack is shot right in front of her. Horrified, she vows to solve this case and fast, before the shooter realizes he failed and comes back for a second attempt.

Corporal Mack Moreau has been shot before, but this time it’s way worse because Doreen watched it all happen. Now she’s planning to catch the shooter before Mack even starts to heal. That’s not a good idea. She’s yet to consider that maybe the shooter wasn’t after Mack but really wanted to shoot her. After all, the cases she’s been involved in have created a whole new level of acquaintances in her life. How many of them are gunning for her?

But Doreen is not deterred, and, with her trusty team at her side, she’s determined to keep Mack safe by finding his shooter before he tries again.

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

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2022

About the author

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

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

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

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

Books by Dale Mayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

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

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

Reviews

[Emmalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart!!! How dare someone shoot Mack!!! On their way to a celebration at Rosemore, Mack is shot and and Doreen is fired upon. Is it related to her sleuthing? Or one of Mack’s cases? Have no fear because Doreen, Nan, and the residents of Rosemoor are on the case. With Mack sidelined, it’s up to his loyal cohorts and of course the police Dept to find the clues and the case that it’s connected to before more bullets fly and another victim falls.

This book sees Doreen facing the depth of her feelings for Mack, progress in her divorce, and Doreen facing the fact that her investigations can lead to danger in her life. Despite that, the humor continues with the antics of Rosemoor residents who are determined to see Doreen and Mack get to their happily ever after.

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the sneak peak from the previous book, I can't wait to start this one, because Mack is shot. Yup you heard that right, our beloved Corporal Mack Moreau has been shot. So yeah as you all can well guess this book is about finding who's behind the shooting and what's the motives. Doreen is determined to solve this case before the culprit strikes again, she'll do anything to protect Mack, so with the help of the Rosemoor residents (mostly Nan) and without Mack's try to rein her, the hunting begin.

Oooh this one is a super fun read. I always love Doreen's sleuthing, love when Nan and her friends helping, love the relationship between Mack and Doreen more and more (this is one of the reasons I love this series, I'm waiting for them to just be together, loveeeee their banter, how they care for each other), and really realy love the action of Doreen's fur babies (it's funny and adorable). So yeah I love almost everything in this book except the revelation of the motiv it's a bit unbelievable and too easy.

A fun full of laughter cozy mystery read with loveable characters and adorable and wonderful fur babies in action, definitely recommended, you guys should check this series out.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!! I am always thrilled to go on another cozy mystery with Doreen and her crew and believe me this one did not disappoint. So, slap those sleuthing caps on and hang on tight for what I think is an extremely pivotal (and highly entertaining) entry for this series. All the beloved characters are here (Doreen, Mack, Nan, Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus), the story is fun, the mystery suspenseful and the feels ample as this time it's personal. This is my unbiased, unsolicited review.

[ClassicKails · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mugs. Goliath. Thaddeus. Mack. Nick.

All I am saying is if you mess with any one of them you are in for a rude awakening! Do not mess with Doreen and her lovely crew!

I love how Doreen is getting more and more confident and strong in each book. She is starting to know her own worth and it makes me really happy.

Doreen and Mack so excited for their growing, slow burning romance between them. Trusting and feelings and protectiveness between eachother. Their banter I adore it.

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen and Mack are travelling to Rosemoor for a celebratory evening but just as they near the building everything is flipped when Doreen can only watch in horror as Mack is shot in front of her. Horrified she vows to solve the case as fast as she can before the shooter tries for another attempt. Mack has been shot before but not in front of Doreen and she wants to catch the shooter before he is even healed - the question in his mind is whether they really wanted him, after all with these cold cases she has her own fair share of enemies. Doreen will not be deterred and together with her trusty team of animals at her side, she is determined to keep Mack safe.

This case is personal for Doreen but also for the residents in Rosemoor who are determined to help in any way that they can. Doreen definitely had her work cut out to reign them in at times but that did at times through their knowledge of the area help. Tenacious as always, Doreen's dogged pursuit definitely didn't endear her to some, but her unique style of questioning definitely got her some answers. I loved the way that Mack's brother Nick was so prominent in this story and that he could see that it might be ignored or denied, but Doreen and Mack really did care for each other - the question is when will they finally accept the inevitable? Easy to read, feel and understand it was easy to be swept into the mystery of who did what and why to work it at the same pace as her.

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

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eighteen in Dale Mayer's " Lovely Lethal Gardens " series and the enjoyment continues.
Doreen Montgomery is divorcing her abusive, controlling, cheating but ultra wealthy husband, she is living in a lovely house given to her by her Nan, she has no domestic skills but she is learning very slowly, she does however have a knack of wheedling information from people and solving cold crimes much to the disapproval (and more than a little admiration ) of her friend Corporal Mack Moreau of the Kelowna Police Department.
This time the crime was personal, Mack, who Doreen has a very slow burning romance with, has been shot, right in front of Doreen and in front of Rosemoor, the elderly care home where her Nan was a resident. Doreen, along with all the outraged residents of Rosemoor, who all act like wayward teenagers, are determined to solve the crime, they've never had so much fun, the police captain is tearing his hair out, Mack is frustrated that he can't work and he can't "rein Doreen in" and his solicitor brother, who is handling Doreen's divorce is finding it all hilarious.
Was the bullet meant for Mack or Doreen ? Doreen is determined to find out and in her own inimitable way and along with Muggs the dog, Goliath the cat, Thaddeus the talking parrot and Nan with her army of sleuths with their walking sticks she sets about solving the crime and protecting Mack (who doesn't want protecting). Another great tongue in cheek cosy mystery from Dale Mayer.

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

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is an amateur super sleuth who has remarkable deducing abilities. She sees things in a completely different light from law enforcement which is why she is finding so many leads to solving her current case. Her boyfriend Mack Moreau, who is also a cop, has been shot…right in front of her!
Doreen is helped in her sleuthing by her wonderful Grandma Nan and some of the other colorful residents of the Rosemoore Senior Home. She also has her loyal loving, protective and quirky pets, Mugs her dog, Goliath her cat, and Thaddeus her Parrot. These critters go everywhere with her. It’s a comedy just reading about them.
Doreen has been told by the caption of police to nib out of the investigation but she won’t. Her sleuthing has uncovered many leads and lots of suspects. There are lots of things going on in the past and present with Doreen besides her investigation. She is a lovely lady but has lots of complications too. This is a very funny book FULL OF WONDERFUL CHARACTERS. Sometimes I got a little confused with her reasoning but this was still a great read. I received a free advanced copy of this story from Booksprout. I am leaving my opinion of the story because I review everything. Linda

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was supposed to be a celebration but as Mac, Doreen and her pets Goliath, Mugs and Thaddeus approach Rosemoor, Mack is shot.

Confusion reigns for a bit and Doreen drops the animals off at home and heads to the hospital. Some of Mack's co-workers and even the captain is already there. Of course, it's not long before Nan and many of the Rosemoor residents add to the group waiting for word.

Then there's the problem of getting Nan and the other Rosemoor folks back where they belong and also get Doreen home so she can rest. The captain takes Doreen home first and then heads to Rosemoor to make sure everyone made it back and also issue a warning.

Doreen realizes she accepted the ride home and now her car is at the hospital. She makes the decision to go to Nan's hopefully to catch a ride to get her car with Darren or the captain. What she walks in on is hysterical.

Not only does Doreen, get the Rosemoor folks to settle down, she assigns responsibilities much to the captain's dismay.

Of course, Doreen isn't staying out of it, and Mack's brother Nick is now in town as well. Nick is quite amused by any and all interactions between Mack and Doreen.

This book is delightful, with plenty of twists and turns, laughter and more.

I really can't wait for the next one!

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one, my favourite so far, apart from Mack getting shot that is. Doreen really comes into her own this one, stepping up and showing everyone not just what she can do to solve crimes but also that she's learning and moving forward. Towards Mack that is. Her strong loyalty and love (she hasn't admitted that bit yet) are the driving force behind finding who shot him and why. Clues start racking up and soon she has suspects and an idea of why, Mack is struggling with being sidelined and out of the loop but thankfully it's Doreen that keeps him up to date, which both helps and frustrates, good job Nick is home to look after him while convelessing. I love her mind and how she picks up nuances that many would miss but they help put the clues together and then ultimately the animals help with their own unique blend of skills. Fun, intrigue and a bit of romance in this fast paced crime buster read. Fantastic.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I leave a review for this series, I tell everyone how much I like this series because it's true. Doreen and Mack are walking to Nan's Nursing home, Rosemore, when a shot rings out and Mack collapses into the rose garden. He's been shot! The shooter yells out about revenge is best served cold and then he drives off.

Doreen follows the ambulance to the hospital and waits while he has surgery. The Chief of Police waits with her. They soon find out that Mack is doing well and he will have to spend a few days in the hospital. Doreen is able to look through the glass to see that he is sleeping and ok.

Doreen decides that she is going to solve this crime and make sure the shooter gets put into jail. She totally thinks outside the box which confuses the detectives but she keeps up her search. She finally gets too close to the guilty person and her animals jump into action and take over. Lots of laughs with this one.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery with heart. This is a series, each book can be read as a stand alone, but your comprehension of what all Doreen has been through, her growth, her relationship with Mac, will be water downed. Its amazing what one can do when a friend or loved one has been hurt. Doreen our intrepid cold case solver pulls out all the stops to keep Mac safe from a second attack. Family is rampant in this series, there is always a smile or two and Doreens animal menagerie (Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus) save the day at some point. Loyalty is paramount. This series is a win for cozy mystery that delivers time and time again. The ending of this one has me salivating for the next one in this series. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe Revenge in the Roses is one of the best books in this series so far. Doreen, the protagonist, is dealing with a new case, this time a very personal one; she is, in fact, pursuing the shooter of Capt. Mack Moreau, her almost-boyfriend. Mack's brother, Nick, the lawyer assisting her in her traumatic divorce, is also in town, adding emotional complications for Doreen. The interactions among these three characters expose Doreen's developing personality; after over a decade of abuse, she gradually overcame her insecurities, basking in her newfound independence and free spirit but always showing her usual wit and great humanity.
The result is a highly entertaining story punctuated by hilarious dialogues and chiseled characters.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure how to abbreviate the title I provided, but that’s pretty much what it was! This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone; I did not even realize that it was a series until I was about halfway through the book!
Doreen is a sleuth in the making. Her special friend, Mack, is a cop. He is shot right in front of her and she is resilient about finding the shooter. This rightfully freaks out Mack because he believes that she was the intended target.
This book was fun to read and the characters were hilarious! This book is DEFINITELY worth the read!.

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

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect addition and so far one of my favorite cozies with engaging characters you root for and a must-solve mystery that immediately captivated me and unable to put the book down until I read the last word. I absolutely love Doreen Montgomery, gardener and amateur sleuth and enjoy her dynamic with her managerie of Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus, her grandmother Nan and the residents of Rosemoor, her lawyer Nick, and last but not least Corporal Mack Moreau who gets shot and she must discover whodunit in the delightfully charming Revenge in the Roses. If you enjoy well crafted cozies, don't miss this one. I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things get personal for Doreen as her friend, Mack is shot. After being asked by the residents at the old folks home and his mom to find the person who did this, Doreen is off to find the bad guy. A cold case of sorts, people who weren’t caught the first time round and blackmail are the order of the day as Doreen, with the help of her nan and friends, sift through the information to find the bad guys. A laugh out loud moment was the end with the Thaddeus, Goliath and Mugs securing the bad guys. Loved this book. Definitely a winner for me. Can’t wait to see what she gets up to with the captains case.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge in the Roses by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Eighteen
The wrong criminal has messed with Doreen Montgomery. No longer the brow-beaten wife, she’s finding inner strength. And no one tries to kill her friend. So when someone shoots Corporal Mack Moreau, Doreen goes on the warpath. She usually goes after the cold cases, but she’s determined to find this shooter before he returns to finish Mack off.
I love this series. It pulls me in from the beginning every time. And the critters add so much fun and humor—not to mention Nan, Richie, and the other Rosemoor folks.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

While heading together to a celebration, Mac gets shot. Doreen is horrified and wants to dig through Mac's old cases to find out who shot him. Mac is afraid that Doreen will be hurt if she pursues this. While out healing, Mac is frustrated that he can't work on his case. Nothing is going to stop Doreen from finding his assailant I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This time the mystery is personal to Doreen. She wants to make sure that Mac is cared for and protected . This a light, fun, and sometimes suspenseful cozy mystery.

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

I always enjoy this series, the quirky characters and the animals.
This story starts with a shooting and Doreen on the case. Who shot her friend and why, will she connect the dots before the police. Will Mack survive and even Doreen as she was right there.
This case is personal and nan and her gang are also on the path to finding answers. Names were mentioned so Doreen has a starting point. A cold case coming back full circle, what is the motive, revenge or greed?
As usual I was thoroughly entertained as I dove into this mystery with Doreen and the gang.
Great series, I highly recommend it.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful armchair sleuth book that drew me in from almost the first page and I didn't want to put it down I must admit I have mainly read Dale's military suspense books but now have found a entire new series to devour

Doreen is absolutely devastated when a night out turn into Corporal Mack Moreau now she is determined to find out who committed the crime before they realise they didn't kill him. With her trusty sidekicks she is soon working to get to the bottom of it but was Mack the target or was it actually Doreen You will have to read to see.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack is shot right in front of Doreen and of course she can't help but get involved in the case. She tackles whomever stands in her way including the chief to make sure Mack is safe and the perpetrator is brought to justice. As always with Doreen and her ragtag group of animals the hijinks ensue as she hunts down her criminal. I love Doreen and her gang and love the ever growing relationship with Mack. Great series. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed the Lovely Lethal Gardens since book 1. Each book follows the growth of Doreen as both a person and as a cold case investigator. Her case is personal and I loved her Mama Bear persona (and her team of warriors). Warmth, friendship, gentle romance and the determination to solve the case as well as protecting Mack. Prepare for a page turner and a laugh out loud book (even more than usual). Bravo!.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen is really coming into her own, we see it in every book but this one she really shows what she has, the fact that this mystery is all to close to home when Mack is hurt shows us all how much she really cares. As with the others in this series you get some good laughs and banter as well as a sprinkling of romance, awesome pets and a mystery that has you paying detective right along with Doreen!.

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

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge in the Roses

OMG! Another FANTASTIC story by Dale! It was a very intense beginning to this story and disheartening when a favorite character is shot! As usual, Doreen and her grandmother help solve who shot Mack. It was interesting to try to figure out who all of the bad guys were but with Doreen on the case, it gets solved. Just wish Doreen can get her divorce solved and get what she deserves. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book!

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shot rings out when Mack and Doreen are outside Rosemoor, the senior living facility her Nan lives in, and Mack goes down with a bullet in his shoulder. Doreen goes on the hunt for the shooter. This story is full of odd investigative methods, a dog, a cat, and a parrot that protect their human, and romance, ending with a cliffhanger.

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

[Terry Polston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack and Doreen's relationship is so much more entertaining when Nick is there to see it. Everyone seems to be telling Doreen to take the next step with Mack. Doreen goes full on momma bear when Mack is shot. Doreen's 'reveal' comes at the police station after decking the shooter. Her brain and the animals know she's right but the police don't have evidence until the guy basically confesses right in front of everyone. It's hilarious.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see more of Nan's personality showing up in Doreen in this book. I enjoy reading as Doreen and Mack work together to figure things out, well maybe not together, haha. But, when it all comes together, they get the person, and she pretty much talks them into confessing is awesome. Can't wait for the next one!

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

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING SERIES!!

I just love this series! The characters are perfect for each story. Every story I have read has comedy galore, suspense and action. I love the animals. They fit perfectly with Doreens character. Please keep writing these stories! I can’t wait for Doreens love life to come to fruition.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Mystery

Doreen was a little mean in this book. But I certainly understand why she was out of sorts. Somebody shot her Mack. She still has not verbally acknowledged he is hers, but he is. And Doreen is out for blood on this one, no matter who tells her to stay out of it. Awesome book.

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Characters

Doreen? Love her. Nan? Love her, too. Mack and Nick? Love them too.
Mack gets shot, and Doreen doesn't stop until she catches the shooter, literally catches him. Along the way she upsets loads of folks, as usual, but mostly the chief, Mack, and, of course, all the bad guys.
What an enjoyable read!

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series!

I absolutely love this series! I'm hoping Mack and Doreen will make it official. Of course, I very much am enjoying the animals! They're my favorite characters! Thaddeus being my most favorite! This was a very fascinating storyline. I enjoyed it from beginning to end! Looks like the next book will be very interesting, also!!