Pierced Peony

Motts Cold Case Mystery #2

by Dahlia Donovan

On a casual walk along the Cornish Coast, Pineapple "Motts" Mottley stumbles upon a body and a perilous new murder case in the second novel in the Motts Cold Case Mystery series. As spring rolls into summer, Motts settles into her cottage. She's enjoying a daily stroll when a body in the sea destroys her peace and quiet. It brings yet another mystery for her to solve. How does a woman who vanished from Polperro three years prior wind up battered by waves? Motts is drawn into the investigation despite her best attempts. She finds a family in turmoil and loads of suspects. With no easy answers, she tumbles further into chaos and ever closer to danger. Can Motts find the killer before she's the one put on ice? Will she survive a bone-chilling brush with death?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, LGBT, Mystery Thriller, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Queer, Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2021

About the author

Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mystery, and this is the second book in the Motts Cold Case Mystery series. I have read and review the first book in this series. I have to say I liked that the main character as Autism. I liked the characters in this book. I like the mystery parts of this book. I love that their is a hairless cat in this book named Cactus. I found this series different for any other cozy mystery/mystery series I have read before. I did feel some parts of this book moved a little bit to slow, and there was parts moving to fast. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Tangled Tree Publishing) or author (Dahlia Donovan) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motts, a self described asexual autistic woman, lives with her Sphynx cat Cactus and turtle Moss in a cottage on the Cornish coast. (My mental image of this area is from the Doc Martin series, which was filmed on the Cornish coast.) Walking on the beach one day, she sees a body float by; it turns out to be an old woman who went missing three years ago. With the help of her friends in the small town and several kind police officers, Motts is determined to learn more. This is part of a series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I really like this unique and appealing protagonist, with her unusual career as a paper crafter. The town residents are varied (gay, straight, autistic, non-white) and everyone gets along--sounds very much like a place I'd like to live. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's cute and sweet. For a small village there are lots of nefarious plots afoot!

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one! Motts is such a great main character, and it gives me so much hope for the future to see an autistic character who's significantly older than me who doesn't bother to mask and who's just exactly who she is. I'm craving more cosy mysteries now as well, so time to do some digging!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Pierced Peony is the second book in a cozy murder mystery series by Dahlia Donovan. Released 1st May 2021, it's 199 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. It makes it so easy to find info with the search function.

Although it's the second book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info-dumping. The plot moves along at a good pace and the scenery and interaction between the characters are engaging and well written. The characters are -all- quite quirky, several (including the main protagonist) are neurodivergent. That's not a bad thing, but it is noticeable and permeates the whole of the story. One of the things with which main character Mott struggles is serious anxiety. Some of the descriptions of her anxiety episodes are quite heartrending and might potentially be triggering to some readers. I liked that she and her friends help and support one another no matter what.

Mott's friends and her pets (one sphinx cat, one turtle) along with Mott herself solve the mystery - which is a good thing, given the utterly useless official investigation. For readers outside of the British Isles, the spelling and vernacular are British English (tyre, flat, crisps), but should pose no difficulty for readers.

I did enjoy this installment enough to compel me to go seek out the first book in the series. It's also nice to see neurodiversity and representation in media.

Three and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Motts, she finally faces her fears after almost being knocked off the cliff into the ocean and on her first stroll along the path she finds a body in the water. It turns out it was an older woman who disappeared more than three years before, yet her body looks like she just died last week. Motts is starting to think she attracts dead bodies.

While telling herself to let it go, Motts can’t help being nosy and trying to figure out who killed the older woman. She was an invalid and couldn’t go out, so where has she been all this time? That’s what Motts and her friends intend to figure out, all while hoping Motts is safe from the killer. After all, Motts wants to find the killer, not become the next victim.

I really adore this series. Motts shows us how functionally autistic people live their lives and helps to show how sounds, noise, crowds, etc impact their daily life. Having an autistic nephew, I love seeing the positive sides portrayed rather than the negative or only those who cannot function. Kudos for one of the best protagonists today. I’ll be keeping na eye out for Pickled Petunia to come out!

[~lil maso~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy moly what an adventure Motts went on in this story! This second book in the series is a delight to read because of Motts, the lead character. She is such an incredible person with her routine, mumbling, and alliteration. She never seems to be free of a hot beverage and treat—I love it. I love the friendship she has with those around her, their support is awesome and the whole village vibe is fabulous. Plus in this book, we meet new characters like Motts’ grandparents, especially her grandfather who is a terrific character.

Sprinkled throughout the story is some great humor which often had me chuckling out loud, the things Motts says and thinks are so funny! She tackles making her own jokes in this book too, which is delightful. There are some hairy times though where you are literally sitting on the edge of your seat waiting with bated breath to see how things will pan out.

Another terrific cosy mystery where there’s lots of action and drama—some low level, some major league! I totally recommend this series.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy moly what an adventure Motts went on in this story! This second book in the series is a delight to read because of Motts, the lead character. She is such an incredible person with her routine, mumbling and alliteration. She never seems to be free of a hot beverage and treat—I love it. I love the friendship she has with those around her, their support is awesome and the whole village vibe is fabulous. Plus in this book we meet new characters like Motts’ grandparents, especially her grandfather who is a terrific character.

Sprinkled throughout the story is some great humour which often had me chuckling out loud, the things Motts says and thinks are so funny! She tackles making her own jokes in this book too, which is delightful. There are some hairy times though where you are literally sitting on the edge of your seat waiting with baited breath to see how things will pan out.

Another terrific cosy mystery where there’s lots of action and drama—some low level, some major league! I totally recommend this series.

[Victoria Hamel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very pleased to be part of the blog tour for this book. When I read cozies, sometimes I'm fully focused on solving the mystery, and other times I am rooting for the main character in all things. This is one of those series where I am hoping for all the good things for Motts. I hold my breath when she decides she needs to venture out and speak to someone new, I cheer her on when she stands up for herself, and I smile when she gives special treats to Moss and Cactus. This series is one that I will preorder and follow the author.

A quote from the book that I enjoyed (Motts inner monologue):

"Why is my cat obsessed with brooding police types? Is he trying to tell me something? Do detectives smell like catnip?"

I hope that you check out this series and that you too root for Motts an unlikely amateur sleuth!
4.5 Stars!

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the cozy mystery series (Mott's Cold Case Mysteries). This book can be read as a stand alone. Thank you to the author and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. I love the setting of the picturesque Cornish Coast in this book. The author brings the coast to life and the small charming village . I applaud the author for featuring a protagonist that is Autistic . Very well done to the author. We need more authors in cozy series to feature disabled Protagonist . One glaring factor in cozies is that disabled people are discriminated against by never being featured. That needs to change and this author has created a series that is forward thinking in the right direction. It is a refreshing protagnist and one I look forward to reading about in more of this series. I also loved that the author has this protagnist as a independent woman on her own not chasing a man or marriage . Very well done to the author !

Our protagnist Motts is a autistic woman, lives with her Sphinx cat Cactus and turtle Moss in a cottage on the Cornish coast. She lives a happy life and loves her cottage, her village and her friends. When she is out on her daily walk she sees a body floating. The victim is a older woman who was missing years before. Mott feels for the victim and wants to solve her mysterious disappearance and murder. She joins with her friends and local police to piece together a myriad of clues .

I found the sleuth very well crafted . The suspense was enjoyable and kept me guessing to conclusion. I loved all the charcters and especially Mott. She is kind, compassionate and fiercely independent. I look forward to further books in this series. Review cross posted.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and they must be read in order. It has happened again. Motts is strolling along the shore and spots a body in the water. She is magnet for the dead it seems. This is the third body she has found. Motts is once again an armature detective. This woman disappeared three years ago and just now washed ashore. How does that happen? There are many suspects and questions. The detectives do wish Motts would leave it to them but she is just so curious. Sometimes it is as if trouble comes looking for her. Motts’ friends do their best to be there for her even when she isn’t completely comfortable with it. They help her help and care for her. They are also on the case with her sometimes. I love this series. Motts and her friends are wonderful characters. Dahlia does a wonderful job building this world and these characters. I can’t get enough of them. I am eager for the next book already. Great job Dahlia.

[Laura Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Motts and her uber-supportive friends and family (except her mom, of course). It's great to read a mystery with a neurodiverse main character and see some representation. I feel like it's not only great for diversity and for interesting characterization, but that it's even giving me a better understanding of real life people who shut down when overloaded. I did think Motts, despite everything, would have been a bit more heartbroken over the personal events at the end. I guess I misjudged her emotional connection.

Anyway, the plotting was good, and the adventure was one I was delighted to go on with Motts and her motley crew. The resolution wasn't unexpected, but the process of figuring it out was the point.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Ppcfransen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pierced Peony is the second instalment in the Motts Cold Case Mysteries.

On the first trek out of the coastal path that runs along her cottage Motts spots a body in the sea. The body belongs to a woman that has been missing for three years. Motts find this hard to believe because the woman looked like she had been dead only a few days.

Motts soon learns that the woman’s family own a cold storage and that most of her family members didn’t like her much (it seemed to have been a mutual thing). You’d think that this would be enough for the police to detain one or several members of said family for questioning.

It appears that the police took the family’s word for it that they didn’t do it and didn’t know what had happened. Ugh, what is the police to do if they can’t even take people’s word at face value?

Meanwhile, accidents happen to Motts when there’s an O’Connell around. More evidence, you’d say? Again, after denial and stating ignorance, no further questions are asked.

This prompts Motts to investigate herself. And there is always a friend or family member around to accompany her (or coax her, if the case may be).

Don’t read this story for the mystery. The only mystifying thing is why the police didn’t solve this case in a day or two. (Or how much every one weighs, considering the amount of calories consumed.) Read because you want to get into the inner workings of an autistic mind.

I read an ARC through NetGalley.

[aspeccharactersoftheday]

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[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pierced Peony in the second book in this cosy mystery series. In book one Motts was unlucky enough to dig up a body in the back garden of her new bungalow. This time she spots a day body floating along the coast when out for a walk near her home in a village in Cornwall, England. Just like before, she can't help but do at least a little bit of investigating to date her curiosity.
Motts is such a lovely character. I love how comfortable she is in being herself, an asexual autistic lady, which I'm guessing comes from years of practice, living in a place that is good for her mental health and being surrounded by such loving family and friends. She's quirky in how she treats her pets, Cactus the Sphynx cat and Moss the turtle, properly having conversations with them but as someone who shares a word of two with their dog, I can't say much. Overall she's an entertaining character to read, interesting in how she deals with daily life and relationships when it comes to her autism and asexuality. Two things not often included in books so it's a wonderful thing to have both here.
The mystery is good as it's a constant guess who with pieces of information randomly being found out, mostly by Motts, as well as the odd red herring to keep everyone on their toes. With the mystery being three years old and the family not being the nicest one in the village, it takes the work of the local police, the cold case detective who just happens to be dating Motts, as well as Motts and her group of just as most friends to crack the case. There's a bit of danger for her along the way but she has Vina, Nash, River, Marnie, her aunt and uncle along with several other who love and cafe for her, knowing when to be there for her but also when she needs her space. It's really endearing to read and one of my favourite things about this series, the community around Motts.
This has a really good story that's entertaining as well and interesting, keeping you engaged with the mystery and Motts herself as we get closer to the reveal. I'm looking forward to where we go next in the series with Pickled Petunia.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: It is an interesting and unusual premise to have your heroine challenged by autism in a cozy mystery. Motts is a highly functioning autistic who is in equal parts stymied and fascinated by the non-autistic world. Her self awareness is amazing as are her coping strategies. Thankfully she is at the other end of the country from her cloying mother who seems determined to turn her “damaged” daughter into the daughter to which she aspires.

In the small Cornwall village, in her little cottage, she is surrounded by friends and family who understand her limitations and support her without smothering her but continually feed her. With her cat, Cactus and her turtle, she has created a safe haven. Or is it? Twice she has found bodies, once in her garden and once at sea. She seems to be a murder magnet but in her unedited version of the truth, she has a knack for uncovering the nefarious villains who commit these deeds. She could, very easily, have been dismissed by the local constabulary. Instead, she has developed close personal relationships with them- or at least as personal as she can muster.

This time a grandmother who has been missing for three years washes up on shore, looking for all intents, as if she had only gone in the water a short time ago. It is a baffling conundrum. She is coaxed by her friends and her own curiosity into finding out the story behind the story. She manages to get into some scary situations- often by her own lack of caution as she seeks to unravel some dastardly dealings of the victim’s family.

Hers is a fresh and sympathetic face. Like, her friends, the reader cannot help but be drawn to her. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a definite fondness for British village mysteries and this one set in Cornwall drew me like a magnet. Add to the charming setting a protagonist who’s autistic AND not one to fall into a romance at the first sight of a handsome cop and, well, what more could I possibly want?

A compelling mystery full of misdirections and clues would make Pierced Peony just about ideal but I can’t go quite that far. Motts is a paper crafter and didn’t know the dead woman, who had been missing for several years, so her reasons for snooping are even thinner than in most cozies. Pacing is a bit uneven and the tale occasionally drags just a little.

On the other hand, it’s really nice to have an autistic character in a series again—the one I enjoyed in the past is E.J. Copperman’s Asperger’s Mysteries featuring a character on the spectrum—and that does explain some of Motts’ driven behavior. I love her pets, a hairless cat and a turtle who are certainly not your usual fluffy, ultracute critter companions and Motts herself is appealing in unexpected ways; also, the people around her are supportive and caring enough to give her a true community.

All in all, this is a delightful story that happens to have a few flaws and much gentle humor and I think any cozy fan will be happy to discover this series.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who shows up at Motts' backyard gate when she is gardening with Cactus and Moss wandering the yard? What does Cactus do that prompts Motts to invite this stranger into her home? Why is that a huge deal for her? What happens when they walk to the Lighthouse? What does he say to her that convinces her to do so? What does Perry do for a living and why is Teo acting all cavemanish? Who are Jasper, Mikey, Ashby, and Callie? What role does each have to play in the adventure or investigation that Motts finds herself involved in? Who is the first body? Who was behind it? Who dumps the second body? Why? What do we learn? What happens with Motts between the discoveries? What happens with Teo? That made me a little sad for Motts but it is understandable as I work with people like Motts and she is acurately portrayed from those I've known. Read and see who dun it!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pierced Peony
By Dahlia Donovan
Tangled Tree Publishing, 1 May 2021

Motts has a habit of finding bodies. Dead bodies. This time it is an elderly woman who has been missing for three years who Motts suddenly finds floating in the ocean. Of course, despite her anxiety and the danger, she can’t help but try to solve the mystery.

Just a few pages in I knew I would enjoy this book and want to read the first book in the series, Poisoned Primrose. It would have been helpful to have read the first book before reading this one, but it is not absolutely necessary. The author included enough recap from the first book that I able to jump right in and enjoy this one.

The protagonist, Motts, is autistic, intelligent, creative, and loves gardening. She also loves food. One of the things I loved about this book was the constant eating! So many pastries! She also loves her cottage and her pets, a hairless cat and a turtle. It doesn’t get much cozier than that.

The story has an interesting and diverse cast of characters that I hope to meet again in a third installment. This is a well-written, funny, and cozy, mystery full of food, flowers, and friends. I highly recommend this book and the series.

[Amy Stauffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read book one, yet, and did not feel lost at any point.

What drew me to this story was that its heroine was asexual (like me!). I was glad I read it. It was nice to take a break from the romance-driven books, that I dearly love, and get lost in something different for a change. This story was just what I didn’t know I needed.

I liked the way the story flowed. It easily kept my attention. The characters were lovely, and so diverse! It definitely felt like a town I’d adore being a part of. I definitely recommend this book. It will keep you entertained from start to finish.

***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***

[Kerri Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Pineapple is back!
While, to the best of my knowledge, I’m not autistic or asexual there are no words for how deeply I can relate to this character. I cannot get enough of Motts! Every time I read one of these books she continues to take the words right out of my mouth.
Another thing I am definitely not is a foodie. Yet I drooled my whole way through the book.
The Motts Cold Case Mysteries are absolutely my favorite mystery series. Motts is perfectly “flawed” and I could read about her and her friends (including the all-important cat, Cactus and turtle, Moss) for days on end.
Unfortunately, I tend to gobble these books up in only one day. So please, more Motts!
Oh yeah, I got carried away. The actual mystery plot had me fooled until the very end. Loved it.
In case you missed it, though… I need more of these books!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first instalment in this series and think this one is even better.
Mott, a highly functional autistic, is an unusual character for a cozy mystery setting but she's likeable and clever.
The author delivers another well plotted story, full of twists and turns, that kept me guessing.
Good character development, lovely setting and solid mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another murder lands on Motts' lap when she discovers a dead body on what she thought would be a peaceful and quiet stroll by the seaside. She has to deal with her interfering parents, a murder mystery and numerous brushes with death. I love Dahlia's cozy whodunnit mysteries and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Starr Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clean uplifting adventure with a touch of romance. I was so excited to read this book, after enjoying the author's first book in this series, and the second book didn't disappoint. Lots of friends and good food! An excellent continuation of the adventure, highly recommended and can’t wait to read more.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*
Motts still manages to find dead bodies, even when not looking for them. And getting involved when it is always going to trigger her anxieties.
The murders are solved as you may expect from a small choice of suspects, though Motts manages to get in the middle of that too
She does loose one of her support network to Yorkshire though, which is sad.

[Charlotte Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow another great book. I couldn't put book down once started.

I loved catching up with Motts and her friends. She finds another body, will she find out who the killer is?

Motts is autistic. She copes very well.

I can't wait for more.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Judy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little read, very easy and short, always like to have a series like this to pick up when I don’t want to have to concentrate much. But boy, do they eat a lot!

[Mariah Wamby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dropped from 3 stars to 2 due to an HP reference

[Krys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars