Whispers in the Wisteria

Lovely Lethal Gardens #23

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags. ... Some things stay buried. ... Some things don’t, ... and it’s chaos once again!

Spending time with Mack is always fun, but, when Doreen overhears a conversation that sounds like a murder confession, he disagrees, … until a body shows up. Then he’s suddenly a whole lot more interested. The deceased young man had planned to attend the local college and had hoped to rekindle a relationship with an ex-girlfriend.

Corporal Mack Moreau knows he can keep Doreen out of this current case, but, when the young man’s grandmother calls and says it could be related to the unexplained disappearance of the young man’s parents, … then all bets are off. Doreen and her entourage are smack in the middle again.

When the case suddenly ties to her neighbor, Richard, it comes home in a big way.

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

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2023

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

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this book opens Doreen and Mack are enjoying time together. They are discussing the Bob Small case, her divorce and just enjoying the quiet. They want to get out for a bit before his birthday dinner, so they drive to city park. The wisteria is in bloom and it's a lovely day. Then both hear someone whispering about a body and disposing. There you have the title of this book.

We see Mack dropping by more frequently in this book, I love the way their relationship is growing even though there are restraints on it because Doreen still considers herself married.

It seems her husband didn't sign everything, so she's still waiting. However, the court date won't change so he doesn't have much longer to sign.

We have visits to Nan with Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus. Made all the more interesting by Richie another resident joining them.

Then there's Edwin's grandmother calling her wanting answers, he's the victim in Mack's current case. Another cold case falls into her lap since the Edwin's parents disappeared while traveling to Kelowna. They seem to have vanished without a trace, but it was a long time ago.

That investigation leads to her next-door neighbor, Richard's brother Roscoe. Now that's an interesting dynamic. Then when there's interference with her phone, she and Richard discover a listening device pointed at her house. She lets Mack know and he's on his way to get it when her soon to be ex Mathew pounds on her door.

I do love the way Mack handles Mathew and supports Doreen.

There are many twists and turns as Doreen pieces together the disappearance of Edwin's parents to his best friend Oscar and Roscoe.

I really enjoyed reading all the antics in this book, from Nan and the other residents at Rosewood, to Doreen's pets Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus. It's never a dull moment.

I really can't wait for the next book to come out!

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

While spending some quality time with Mack, Doreen overhears a conversation which sounds like a murder confession but he disagrees and then a body shows up. The deceased young man had planned to attend the local college and hoped to rekindle a relationship with his ex-girlfriend. Mack knows hat he can keep Doreen out of this case as it is current but when the young man's grandmother calls Doreen and says it could be related to the cold case of his missing parents then all bets are off and Doreen is back in the middle which her entourage of animals. When the case is tied to Doreen's neighbour Richard she learns more about his family.

This was an interesting case for Doreen as she expanded her knowledge of her neighbour and the people in the area at the time of the parent's disappearance. As usual, the residents of the care home were fun and involved in the case (even if they weren't always right). I loved the animals and I am wondering if Mugs is Doreen's dog or if Goliath has replaced her. More trouble from Doreen't ex-husband and surely it will be resolved soon. Easy to read, feel and understand.

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It always amazes me how freely people answer the questions Doreen asks them. Lol. They tell almost everything they know, and then get made at her for asking.

Nan, Richie, and the gang had to make an appearance to give their theory of the crime. Of course, there were treats involved. I think it's convenient that Doreen's cold cases always end up tying into Mack's current cases.

Mack and Doreen's relationship as well as Doreen's divorce was still moving slow as molasses. I keep expecting Matthew to become more dangerous. I can't imagine what will happen if Mack and Doreen ever get together "together".

I would have liked to see more of Nick in the book. Nick, Mack, and Doreen interacting is always fun.

The resolution to this case surprised a number of people. I appreciate that all of the people involved in Mack and Doreen's cases are not always nice, even when they are innocent. It adds a nice twist to the story.

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book with Doreen, her beloved animal team of Thaddeus, Goliath, and Mugs, and Mack. The story involves both a cold case and a more current one, with new characters and beloved ones (and less beloved ones) in a rich tale. Bravo!.

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

[Delaine Mclafferty · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a person thinks they overhear someone talking about a body and then one appears, you need to make sure that it’s the same body you think you heard about but the person in charge, Mack, wants to keep you out of the investigation. When more information is revealed, Doreen needs to find out what happens. There are twists and turns in this story that keep you reading. I recommend this book.

[Jackie Rood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, quick read

I've gotten attached to these characters and have enjoyed watching their relationship progress. I'm definitely ready for them to take it to the next level.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We go on an exciting cozy mystery with Doreen and her quirky pets .Doreen wasn't sure what she was going to do since she solved the case of the serial killer. She was spending the day at a park with Mack her special friend she wouldn't let it go any farther until her divorce was final.And Mack was being really great about waiting.As they sat and looked out at the lake and peoplewatched.She heard someone talking and tried to hear what they were saying but it was just bits and pieces.She told Mack and said something about what the man was saying.Then they walked away.As they were wz!king Mack got a call and he had to leave Doreen said she could get back look n her own.When at home Doreen was drinking a cup of coffee when her phone rang and a woman introduced herself.She asked Doreen to look into who killed her grandson. There are the parents of the young man killed that disappeared twenty five years prior. Mack wasn't happy that she was getting straight into his case again.This story will keep you on the edge of your seats and the characters will captivate you. I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is a Master Deducer
I loved this story! I love this series! Every book gets better and better. This story snowballs from one murder connected to a very old case then wham, another murder, and then another! Doreen may not be able to cook but she can pick up clues that others miss. Putting all the pieces together is her superpower. Lots of people love her but because of her tenacity and notoriety, some hate her as well. Doreen has lots of help too. Along with her hysterically funny mix of dog Mugs, cat Goliath, and parrot Thaddeus is also Grandma Nan and Nan’s friends at the senior living apartments. Corporal Mack Moreau does his best to keep Doreen out of his cases but somehow she uncovers evidence, perps, crimes, bodies, and leads that put her right in the mix.
Doreen is still trying to finalize her divorce from her abusive nasty ex, Mathew. This mega-rich guy doesn’t want to give her anything in the divorce settlement, (in the beginning) even her clothes. Now he’s back to trying to push her around physically. Thank God she has Mack because he’s going to protect this wonderful little beauty. This story will keep you wondering what the heck is going on. It’s also soooo funny. Doreen’s pets are priceless and into everything. I received a free advanced copy of this story from Booksprout and these are my thoughts. Linda

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dale Mayer has reached W in her alphabet of "Lovely Lethal Garden" series and they just get better.
These books are very tongue in cheek cosy mysteries but with some angst.
Doreen Montgomery is trying hard to divorce her wealth , controlling husband who had sapped her confidence and then cheated on her. Doreen was living in Kelowna in a house given to her by her Nan, she had no money and no domestic skills but what she did have was a talent for worming information from people and was gaining quite a reputation as an armature sleuth.
Doreen and her long suffering boyfriend, Corporal Mack Moreau of the Kelowna PD, were enjoying a quiet walk when Doreen overheard a conversation about a murder.....Mack heard nothing but he knew better than to argue with Doreen.
When a body was found Doreen was disappointed that she couldn't get involved in solving the case because it was new but when it was discovered that it was connected to a cold case Doreen was up and running.
Assisted by her brilliant Nan and the zany residents of the nursing home, her wonderful, funny menagerie of pets, Doreen sets about collecting clues and sending poor Mack's blood pressure soaring.
This is witty but also serious and dangerous and of course there is the very slow burning romance between Doreen and Mack.

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

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lovely Lethal Gardens books are very different from any other Dale Mayer's series. Keep in mind, different doesn't mean bad just different. Instead of crazy abilities, we find ourselves with a heroine who feels she is lacking any real ability. Doreen was a spoiled trophy wife but now she is a pet mom with a fondness for solving cold cases. I had to laugh when she was unfamiliar with food items that many middle class people consider stables. Instead of being snotty, she was curious which made her about endearing. The animals each had their own unique personalities and helped in their own way solving her cases. Mack, the main guy, is a little flat but has potential.
Doreen's uncanny insistence that she heard a plot to get rid of a body leads into a case that is not hers but ties to one the could be. That tie allows her to skirt the rules a bit and work on two cases set 25 years apart. The story kept you turning the page as you too sought to understand what caused 2 loses 25 years apart. This book and I am guessing the entire series are nice additions to the cozy mystery genre.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Wisteria by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Twenty-Three
Doreen was having some downtime after her encounter with the infamous Bob Small. Yet, she was ready for a new case. And the way her animals were acting…they were just as bored. Laying around. She was becoming concerned about Mugs, but I won’t write the spoiler alert on the pup.
When she hears whispering about a dead body…and one is found…she still has no case. Doreen is learning to stay out of Mack’s present investigations and focus on the cold cases. Fortunately, Doreen gets a call for help that she can’t turn down, which leads her on a new adventure, even if she may be stepping over the line a bit and on Mack’s toes.
Her husband is still being difficult about the divorce—greedy may be a better word. She wants Mathew and her past life behind her so she can move ahead.
I enjoy these quirky, fun, fast-paced adventures with Doreen, Mugs, Goliath, Thaddeus…and, of course, the ever-patient Mack.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the twenty-third episode 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.

A 27-year old man is found dead in the park. Doreen receives a call from his 92-year old grandmother asking for aid in finding his killer. She has been given 6-months to live. Doreen informs her she cannot really get any information as it is not a cold case.

Matthew makes an appearance and finds himself in trouble with the law.

I still wonder what it will take for Doreen to get it through her head to stay clear of Matthew until the divorce is over. As much as she states she wants the divorce, her actions prove otherwise. Matthew is a bully, wife beater and over all selfish person.

The story is well -written even though I can’t side with Doreen since she is almost always placing herself in danger and has very little regard that she can place others in the same danger.
I rate this 3.5 stars.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series, its so full of twists and turns. Doreen's mind works overtime in this one trying to solve a cold case thats linked with something new, the animals are along for the ride (or walks in this case lol). Doreen is worried about them as they dont seem theirselves, resulting in a scene i just had to laugh at. I love how she feels she cant go to far into a full relationship with Mack until her divorce is final, not many people feel strongly enough about that these days, thankfully Mack is patient and understanding, but I do like the little snippets and progress that creep in. This is well written as always, full of questions and fabulous characters, intriguing insights and clues, interesting subject matter and of course conversations with a parrot that really make me smile. My excitement every time one of these books come out is gleeful, I know I'm in for some fun reading that I never want to end.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is back with her sleight of pets, dealing with a new cold case.
Much to Captain Moreau's disdain, the case is linked to one of his current ones; Doreen, however, has wiggled her way into the hearts of the members of the Kelowna police department, who appreciate her help and admire her bright mind.
Doreen's abusive ex is still harassing her. However, she has rebuilt her confidence and has the strength to confront him -again, with a bit of support from the Kelowna Police Department.
The story proceeds steadily, with a great cast of old and new characters and lively and entertaining conversations.
Doreen, as usual, is unpredictable, joyful, and very compassionate, giving the book a pleasant, sweet, and entertaining ambiance.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisty cozy mystery. I enjoy this series, watching Doreen grow and solve cold cases. Corporal Mack always supporting Doreen the person. His restraint on pushing their relationship is admirable. He gives Doreen the space she needs and still is right there. This cold case involved her neighbor and I am still not sure how I feel about him. I love the little twists and surprises that Dale Mayer always delivers. I did know who the culprit was the first time Doreen actually engages with him, but I didn't figure out the how and why which always provides enjoyment. I am invested in this series and excited to see how it all concludes. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thought and opinions. #WhispersintheWisteria #LovelyLethalGuardens #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think this series can’t get any better we get a new book and BAM it gets better. Doreen is at her best again trying to solve riddles and puzzles, taking Nan, Mack and her animals along for the ride. This time it involves her grumpy neighbour Richard. The ride has its ups and downs as she hears whispered words whilst on a day out with Mack. Well I guess it’s downhill all the way from there. I love this series so must (plus the books look so pretty on my bookshelf). You can see the developing relationship between Doreen and Mack, the wonderful relationship between Nan and Doreen and some of the not so good ones between her and her ex, her next door neighbour and the bad person. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great cozy mystery as we join Doreen and her quirky pets as they try to find a killer while trying to solve a twenty five year old missing persons case.When Mack gets called out to a murder Doreen tries to find out more but he says it's nuclear its not a cold case .then she gets a all from the grandmother of the murdered victim and also finds out that the grandson she raised was murdered twenty five years to the day his parents disappeared .Can Doreen get to the bottom of these murders while helping find the bodies and car of the missing persons.There are so many twists and turns to this story you will be riveted til the very last page.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and the animals are always a treat to read about. Solving cold cases can be dangerous, but Doreen always seems able to remain calm, and usually smiling amidst the danger.
Mack and Doreen go to a nice park to spend some quality time together. The wisteria are a perfect backdrop for the couple, until Doreen hears someone talking quietly about getting rid of a body. Mack hears snippets, and is trying to convince Doreen to let it go. You know how well that works out hahahha. Richard, the neighbour is more involved in this novel, because his brother has history with a dead man
Doreen's divorce is almost final, but her husband is still managing to slow it down. This slows the romance between Doreen and Mack, due to her high moral standards.
What a fun, captivating read this was.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this storyline!

This was more like the earlier mysteries when the series started. More of the animals and the bird in the storyline. Just what I've been asking for all along. It was great having Thaddeus using a newer vocabulary and showing how intelligent he is. Along with his humorous side. There was more Mugs and Goliath. I was very pleased with that. At the end when Thaddeus yelled "police" I had to laugh out loud. Good work, Thaddeus!!! Now, for the spin-off series --
rewind or reset just be sure the animals and bird play a big part in the mystery or at least have a lot of scenes in the storyline. After all, they play a huge part in the series! They are why I read it!!!!!

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 3.5 stars read.

I'm totally invested in Doreen's life by now, I adore Doreen and Mack and Doreen's fur babies.
The best part in this book for me is the romance, love how they act like couple more and more and how they always support and protect each other, loveeee when Mack get overprotective towards Doreen, it's just so sweet, put a big smile on my face. The sweet romance is chef's kiss.
The mystery is pretty solid, I like it, not a big fan of the plot though, it's predictable and the motive kinda didn't make any sense for me for that murder 25 years ago, but still it's a fun fast-paced easy-to-read cozy mystery.

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read of the Lovely Lethal Gardens series and although it was a great read, fast-paced, interesting and ever changing and evolving, I felt like there was a lot of back story on the characters that I had missed. I mistakenly thought each book would be about different characters. I really liked Doreen and Mack and the animals, when I figured out which name went with which animal. Now I’m intrigued about some of the things mentioned and a past injury to Mack, so will have to read them all. Great conclusion. I didn’t figure it out, so well done!

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something for everyone in this story in the ongoing Lovely Lethal Gardens series. Doreen is continuing to solve cold cases and when an active case is peaking her interest, she is delighted when it becomes tied to a cold case letting her enter in to help. Mack continues to try and keep her out of trouble and the pets try and keep her safe. Her grandmother is another helper who also runs bets on the outcome, all from the retirement home where she lives. All in all an adventure well worth reading!.

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

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Dale has written another great story! This story basically starts out with a grandmother calling Doreen to find out where her daughter and husband ended up plus solve her grandson's murder. Doreen gets involved, of course, in both the cold case as well as the current case. It comes to an intense ending with only Thaddeus there to help her out this time. The bad guy actually tried to get to Doreen as well but she was able to protect herself with the help of Thaddeus. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Terry Polston · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the same for Doreen. Her ex is a pain, people think she asks too many questions, her neighbor is grouchy. Her divorce is getting closer to being final and she and Mack are getting closer. Glad to see her blossom in the kitchen and, spoiler, she's never had a burrito lol.
A little worried about her entourage and their lethargy. Only 3 more books and I need to know about the antique furniture, will she get new furniture for her house? Is she still sleeping in a mattress on the floor? How much $$ is she getting from the divorce and the will? Will sge take P.I. training? So many questions

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is at it again. She hears suspicious whispers as she is enjoying an afternoon with Mack. Taking a strictly hands off approach, Doreen is surprised by the victim's grandmother who requests/demands Doreen investigate the death. Familiar characters are always nice to see. There are some twists in solving this case however. Cannot wait for the next book!.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed how Doreen sinks her teeth into solving two cases that happen to be about 25 years apart and the journey to connect them is filled with danger and twists which Doreen takes in her stride. It frustrates me things are still going on with her divorce as I want her and Mack to finally be together officially and Doreen to embrace their relationship.

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

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Doreen and her pets as they solve cold cases in the Kelowna, BC area that sometimes link to current cases much to Mack's dismay. Once I started reading Whispers in the Wisteria, I couldn't put the book down until I read the last word with great twists and interesting suspects. Ms. Mayer has given us another must-read in this series and I can hardly wait for the next adventure. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dying woman asks Doreen to investigate the 25-year-old cold case of her missing daughter and son-in-law. She wants answers before she leaves this life. Doreen tries to ensure she doesn't infringe on Mack's open cases. This book is a great who-done-it and includes plenty of romance, ending with a cliffhanger, of course. Very highly recommended.

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

[Netty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and Macks relationship continue to develop with the continued appearance from Nan, the Rosewood residents, Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus.

While out, they both overhear a plot to dispose of a body and a mystery evolves whereby Mack’s current case links to Doreen’s cold case.

As usual, many twists and turns as Doreen and gang try to solve another mystery. Entertained throughout and thoroughly enjoyed!

[Eve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series and how Doreen and Mack go about solving mysteries.
The chemistry between them is also great, although I thought that her divorce was finally sorted in this book. But it turns out that her ex keeps breaking the rules.
Doreen does seem to ruffle feathers whenever she is involved in a mystery, because she is a straight talker and doesn't beat around the bush.
These books are real page turners that keep you gripped.
I would definitely recommend them.