Silenced in the Sunflowers

Lovely Lethal Gardens #19

by Dale Mayer

Hearts start to heal. ... Friendships start to grow, ... just not for everyone!
Doreen knows her relationship with the police captain has always been on thin ground. She has helped them solve a lot of cases, but she's quadrupled their work and constantly gets in their way. So no one is more surprised than Doreen when the captain stops by and asks for a personal favor, concerning a cold case from his own childhood.

Slowly recovering from his injury, Corporal Mack Moreau learns that the captain has stopped by Doreen's house, asking for a moment of her time. Curious, Mack's even more stunned to hear the details about his captain's visit. Mack wants to help, but investigating a case from forty years ago doesn't leave much behind to go on.

Doreen knows that failing to solve a case has to happen sometime. But she'd do a lot to not have that happen here, not when the captain had personally asked for her help. So, with her critters in tow, Doreen is off and running, ... leaving Mack watching-and worrying-in her wake.

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

257 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 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

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is the 19th book and as you know by now, I loveeeee this cozy mystery series, I'm so invested in Doreen's story with her relationship with Corporal Mack, her full of life grandmother nan and her adorable fur babies, there's no dull moments in Doreen's life, therefore it's always super fun to read and there's no exception with this book, it's another fast-paced cozy mystery with a hint of sadness in this cold case.

What I like:
- The cold case, there's a bit of sadness in it, a page-turner one, it peaks my curiosity from the beginning.
- The Relationship between Mack and Doreen. I loveeeeee the growth of the relationship between Doreen and Mack, I love how they're getting closer and closer, how they always worry for each other and trying to protect each other, how comfortable they are around each other, I just love this couple.
- Thadeus, Goliath and Mugs, there's action from this trio that put a big smile on my face in this book. They;re just sooooo adorable.
- Nan, love when she joined Doreen sleuthing, because everything is more fun when Nan is around, she's just so precious.

What I don't like: it might a bit rushed on the revealing part, but still a good cold case.

Recommended: yes absolutely, especially if you're looking for a fun cozy mystery series with wonderful characters and adorable animals.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! The latest episode is a fresh and lively story guaranteeing a few hours of lovely entertainment.
Doreen, the protagonist, is a kind, intelligent woman who left behind an abusive marriage and a wealthy life to come to live in the countryside at her grandmother's home in Kelowna. In her new circumstances, Doreen must re-learn the basics of independent life, from finding creative ways to earn a living to simple daily tasks like cooking. After a few episodes, Doreen has grown more self-assured and spirited, keeping her natural generosity and kind heart untouched.
She is in the company of three irresistible pets: a dog, a cat, and a talking parrot, which are a source of continuous inspiration and awe for her.
During her stay in Kelowna, Doreen has developed the ability to resume and solve cold cases, which the understaffed local police cannot manage, while at the same time driving crazy her quasi-boyfriend, aka Captain Mark Moreau.
This time, Doreen embarks on a very emotional task: finding the culprit of the 40 years old murder of a 10-years-old boy. Following her instinct and brilliant mind, Doreen pursues new lines of investigation that revive many heartbreaking, long-forgotten situations.
She pays an emotional toll while working the case, leveraging her newly found resilience to ready herself for the next adventure.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently started this series, I think at book 17 or 18. The first book I read did not instill any confidence for me to move forward in the series. Am I glad I ignored myself.

I found I really enjoy all of the regular characters in the book, including the animals. Mack, Nick, Nan, and the captain are all unique personalities. I am not going to rehash what the book is about because it's laid out in the description.

What I will say is that I have never found a more convoluted tale to be so intriguing. At the same time, reading how Doreen lays out the facts of the case was pretty straightforward.

I admit that I was surprised at a couple of points when she found out certain facts she didn't question the person about them. I wasn't disappointed, because those same questions came up at a later time.

I am going to have to start at the beginning of the series. I know some background on Doreen and her past, but I would really like to get a more complete picture. That being said, I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Doreen be able to piece the puzzle together ??

Doreen and her menagerie are at it again. This time she is helping the captain at Mack's station. A shooting 4 decades ago where the captain was shot and his cousin was killed, leads Doreen on another cold case and having to piece together all the puzzles pieces to find the reason and the true killer. I was on the edge of my seat wanting to know who and why. It's a tangled web and I wasn't sure Doreen would be able to pull it together in the end with so little information. As usual I love this series. Doreen and her animals make the whole book along with Nan and Mack. I can't wait for more to come from this series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a boy, police Captain Hanson was shot, and his cousin Paul was killed by a drive-by shooting. After trying for decades to solve the case, Captain Hanson asks Doreen to investigate the cold case. With little information in the case file, Doreen isn’t sure that she will be able to solve this case. Doreen goes to the library and gets a lead on someone to talk to. One conversation leads to another until Doreen has solved the case. I loved this story. Not only is this murder mystery, but it is a romance novel. As Doreen’s divorce is getting close to be finalized, Doreen and Mack become more comfortable with each other, and their interactions are funny.

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

[M Darnoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2

[itskaileysworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say it enough, this series is just delightful, wonderful and everything in between.<3

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the nineteenth book in Dale Mayer's brilliant "Lovely Lethal Gardens" series and they just keep getting better.
Why did the Captain want to see her ? Doreen knew that she wasn't always in his good books but this was something new and a bit scary.
Doreen Montgomery had escaped her controlling, cheating husband and the gilded cage that she lived in for a life in Kelowna in a house given to her by her Nan, she had no money and no domestic skills but with the help of her best friend Corporal Mack Moreau of the Kelowna PD she was turning her life round.
Doreen discovered, much to Mack's dismay, that she had a talent for sleuthing, she had an ability to get people to talk therefore solving cold cases, it had mad her some friends but also some enemies, she became know as "the crazy lady" because she travelled everywhere with her animals, a dog, a cat and a bird.
When the captain asked for Doreen's help to solve a forty year old murder she was flattered, a ten year old boy had been shot and killed and it was a case close to the Captains heart, a case he needed closure on.
In Doreen's inimitable way she want in head first, she got people to talk but this case took it's toll on Doreen, she didn't want this to be her first failure, she wanted to be accepted by the Captain, luckily, long suffering Mack was there to help, to pick up the pieces and to protect her.
I love these cosy mysteries, I love the slow burning romance between Doreen and Mack, I love adorable Nan and not forgetting the brilliant menagerie.

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

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

Doreen knew her relationship with the police captain was on thin ground as her solving of cold cases had quadrupled his department's work. So when he approached her to solve a cold case for him as a personal favour she was surprised. Corporal Mack Moreau is slowly recovering from his injury when he learns of the new case Doreen is working on and although he would like to help there is not much to work from after 40 years. Although she knew eventually she will fail to solve a case she is determined for it not to be this one and so she worked doggedly on this one with her critters in tow and Mack watching and worrying about her.

I really enjoyed this story as it looked at the history of the police captain, how an old cold case could be solved and how Doreen's methods were very helpful as they were on the edge of what law enforcement can do. Contains lots of drama and was relieved to see that she solved it. Easy to read and understand. Contains lots of analysis of the thoughts and emotions of the people involved in this case.

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

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack is healing and ready back to work on light duty, his brother Nick is still working on Doreen's divorce, and they've all been hanging out together. They're talking about how Thaddeous, Goliath and Mugs all defend her when Mack's captain shows up.

With all the cases Doreen has solved she's caused the department a lot of extra work, but you really can't ignore her success rate. The captain has a request to make of Doreen, it's personal to him. His cousin was murdered, and he was injured decades ago, and it's never been solved. He doesn't know if Doreen can solve it, but he's going to give her the chance.

Before she gets started on that cold case, she goes paddleboarding with Mack, his brother and of course the animals.

With her usual flare Doreen, slowly back tracks the case to start with the key players and move on from there.

As always there's a bit of help from her Nan and grumbling from Mack.

It never ceases to amaze me how Doreen extracts information.

Plenty of intrigue as the threads of this case unravel, and Mack and Doreen's relationship moves a little further along.

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

[Eve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is book 19 in the series I'm still really enjoying these books.
This book is about a cold case about the captain, from when he was young. He was shot at and his friend/cousin was shot dead by a drive by shooter. And the captain has asked Doreen to look into it, not hoping for much, as the captain himself reopened the case and was unable to find anything.
But this is Doreen we are talking about, she is able to find anything isn't she. So she starts investigating the case and starts turning up new facts. With the animals along for the ride most of the time, as well as Nan 😊 Doreen definitely has support with the case. Mack is always in her corner supporting her when she needs it as well 😍😍
This book is really well written, which is typical of a Dale Mayer book to be honest. It has plenty of plot twists and turns that will keep you guessing who the culprit is until the very end.
I'd definitely recommend this book, I'm looking forward to the next in the series ❤❤.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silenced in the Sunflowers by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Nineteen
Doreen gets a surprise when Captain Henry Hanson, Mack’s boss, asks her to look into a forty-year-old cold case murder. It ends up it’s very personal to the captain—at age eleven, he was the only witness and didn’t see much.
Doreen doesn’t want this to be the case she fails at resolving. She’d like to help take the burden of the unsolved case off the captain’s shoulder, but it’s an old case, and seemingly nowhere to start. But then again, this is Doreen, who has a knack for finding something out of nothing. Unfortunately, even if she doesn’t want it, Doreen has a knack for getting into trouble.
I love this series with Doreen and Mack and the pets: Mugs, the basset hound; Goliath, the Maine coon cat; and Thaddeus, the talkative African grey parrot.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good cozy mystery as we join Doreen and her quirky pets on another cold case.When Doreen is talking to Mack she asks how will she get the Chief to like her he tells her it will take time. Then out of the blue the chief pulls up in the driveway and say hi to Doreen and Mack then asks if he can speak to Doreen alone for a few minutes.Mack says ill talk to you later Doreen I've got to head to work.She says isn't it too soon,?Mack smiles an says lite duty.The Chief asks if she would go over a forty year old cold case where he was shot an his cousin was killed.She says yes he said in case you find something we missed. Will Doreen be able to solve this cold case ?Or will this be her first failure.?there are so many twists an turns you will be riveted until the very last page an leave you begging for more.I can hardly wait to see what's next by the his multi talented author.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The captain is asking for Doreen's help this time? How things have changed. First she is a pest and now he wants her help in an old case that involves him. So this time the officers are accepting Doreen and her most interesting pets and this is new for her. Mack is there as well still recovering from his shoulder injury but planning on going back to work faster than expected. The animals are precious, the interplay between Doreen and Mack remains well done, her ongoing divorce may prove to be another problem and Nan, the grandmother, is fun as well. All in all a great read and I'm looking forward to Toes in the Tulips, the next in this series.

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

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

Doreen and her animal crew strike again. A cold case to be solved that is 40 years old. No one has been able to work it out but Doreen has her ways of finding information. Nan is along for the ride as clues come to light.
This story was such a fun read, I loved the characters. Mack the local cop has a soft spot for Doreen and her crew. Her nan is delight, the leader of mischief in the old age home down the creek.
This old crime was close to home as it involved the captain and a shooting that happened when he was a boy. When Doreen appears to be followed and in danger it's obvious that all her questioning has upset a hornet's next.
Fantastic read, I can't wait for the T crime as we work our way through the alphabet.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun romp with Doreen, Mack, Nan and the gang. What fun to see the blossoming relationship between Doreen and Mack ❤️❤️❤️ and to see his family and most of the town encouraging it. We also get to see a little of Bernard in this one too

The Captain seeks Doreen out for help with a cold case involving the murder of his cousin 40 years prior. Due to her unique way of looking at clues and solving cold cases, Captain wants Doreen to give it a go. With her quirky humor, self deprecation that Mack, Nan, and Nick are trying hard to cure her of, Doreen sets out uncover family secrets long held, betrayals, festering wounds, and the evil mind that hatched a plan that killed a child and possibly more.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, Doreen has her work cut out for her in this doozy of a case, plus it's personal and affects their very own captain. At least that means she has him and Mack on side this time. Twists and lots of turns, nothing is quite as it seems and lots of characters connected but not necessarily the murderer. It kept me on my toes trying to figure it out as I was reading, gripped and in awe of Doreen. I loved how caring she was of Mack in this one and he of her, there is a deep love building between them even if not acknowledged yet or even really acted on. Nan and the animals are treasures and I adore their antics. Fabulous mystery, I loved it.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Doreen and Mac are surprised that the Captain is asking her help in a cold case from when he was a kid. When Doreen receives the file from the Captain, there is very little to go on. Doreen is undaunted by this and will find out as much as she can. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love how Doreen is unable to unravel cold cases by her gentle way of talking to people and her understanding of people. I also love how her grandmother, her intuitive pets, and Mac are part of her success. This is a charming, cozy mystery that always contains amusing and suspenseful moments. This is one of my favorite books in this series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Silence in the Sunflowers .
Doreen is surprised when Police Captain Hanson shows up and asks her for a personal favor . When he was younger he and his cousin were shot and his cousin died . The killer was never caught . It now is a very cold case just what Doreen does . While investigating her new cold case Doreen stirs up a hornets nest and her animal family and Mack are right there with her . I love this story and series . It's interesting and entertaining and intriguing . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fun read in this series and this time we get the story from Doreen's point of view We know that she helps the police but we also know that she makes a lot of extra work for them so she is surprised when the police chief asks her for her help. He wants her to work on a very personal very old cold case Years earlier he and his cousin where attacked he was badly injured and his cousin was killed now he wants Doreen's help to try to solve it. Once again she will lead her "Boyfriend" Captain Mark Moreau and her crazy animal side kicks on a fun ride But can she solve a case that is this old

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a nice twist to the series. This series is written from Doreen's point of view and this time we felt the emotions that were stirred in her as she did her best to assist the Captain in his cold case request. Yup, the Captain asked Doreen for help. If you have read this series (and for those who have not) Doreen has been solving cold cases and causing frustration and extra work for the Captain and his team. Captains case is 40 years old! He was just a child. There are twist and turns I didn't see coming and I did not guess the culprit! Corporal Mack while still recovering from his wound that occurred in book 18 is on desk duty. He is still helping Doreen learn the ins and outs of her independence and learning to cook as she continues to seek results from her abusive marriage. During Doreens steps to solve this cold case she has her trio of pets, dog, cat, parrot and Nan (her grandmother) goes on a road trip with her. There is sorrow and laughter and always a HEA, even if this one tugged on Doreen and left her worn and exhausted. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #silencedinthesunflowers #dalemayer #valleypublishing #booksprout

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is asked by Mack's Captain if she can look into a 40 year old cold case. This case is personal for the Captain, so Doreen is hoping this won't be the case that she can't solve. Twists and turns and page turning mystery. Mack's brother is visiting, and has news for Doreen, about her divorce, and that has her a little on edge as well. The relationship with Mack is moving along nicely though, so that keeps Doreen grounded somewhat.
Forget about getting sleep when you're reading this series. Absolutely love this series, with Doreen and her quirky critters.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silenced in the Sunflowers

Wow! Dale has done it again! Doreen has been asked by the captain of all people to help solve the cold case. It's amazing how Doreen is able to solve these cases yet get herself into trouble on every single case. This one hit her close to home since it involved a cheating husband. This case was one of the older cases. Glad everyone is safe, as usual thanks to the animals. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next book!

[Jane P · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've grown so frustrated with how little personal life progress the main character makes on this series. The author seems to really be drawing it out and
I really miss the more detailed writing about gardening. I am done.

Also,the fact that she shows up everywhere with a cat, a dog, and a parrot - and is shocked when some people don't want her traipsing into their home or business with the menagerie - seems clueless and a bit selfish. I love pets, but Doreen's sense of entitlement with hers is a bit much. I am over the story.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This episode is the nineteenth in the Lovely Lethal Garden Mystery series. I listened to this via Hoopla from my library. The narrator, Mandy Kaplan, did an excellent job relating & enhancing the story through her vocal variations.

The story is a sad one. Captain Hanson has asked Doreen to take a look at a 40-year-old case. His cousin Paul was killed and He was shot in a drive by shooting when he was 10 years old. His cousin didn’t survive.

I felt the reveal was a little rushed but overall, I enjoyed the story.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and her friends of feather and fur have created a reputation, well earned. Mack, the police force and the community all have different views of Team Doreen. A 40 year old cold case, no apparent leads, and few initial leads. I love reading how Team Doreen (and Mack) pull the strings to bring the mystery to completion. Unpredictable, playful, fun, friendship and romance, and lots of coffee. Bravo!

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack's captain asks Doreen to take a look at a forty year old cold case that he has very personal connection to. As she digs into the death of a 10-year old child she finds deceit, lies, malice and even more death. This case is a hard one for her emotionally. I always find myself entwined with what Doreen is thinking and love seeing her unravel each case. One of my favorite series. I volunteered to read this book via booksprout.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen is finally asked by the Captain to help in a case and I loved how he finally realised she is good at what she does especially with cold cases. Not only do we have another good mystery to solve that provides plenty of twists and some good red herrings, as always a bit of danger for Maureen, along with things continuing to grow between Doreen and Mack which makes me happy to no end!.

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

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is surprised when the Captain comes to her with a request. Captain Henry Hanson wants Doreen to look into a 40-year-old case that involved himself and his cousin, Paul. Eleven-year-old Henry was shot in the arm, but 10-year-old Paul was shot in the head and died. The journey begins with Doreen asking questions and ends with the murderer in handcuffs. I enthusiastically recommend this book.

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

[Whitney Godard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Oh my gosh this story was just epic. I just couldn’t put this story down and I was just captivated by everything that was taking place. The author truly outdid herself with this story. This story just had my emotions all over the place and I am so sad to see this book end. I just can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.