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Lovely Lethal Gardens #22
Victim in the Violets
Riches to rags. ... Old cases never die. ... Love spans decades, ... even if unrequited!
With her estranged husband still pestering her, Doreen is looking for a new case to keep her interest and to help her dodge Mack and his brother’s scoldings. So she decides to delve deeper into the Bob Small case, especially since it pertains to Nan’s now-deceased friend.
Only to have the case suddenly connect to a current friend and Rosemoor resident. When this woman’s sister ends up murdered, and there’s a connection to Bob Small, Doreen and her animals are off on the trail, … much to Corporal Mack Moreau’s disgust.
Anything to do with Bob Small is big. He was linked to dozens of unsolved murder cases, and no way will Doreen do anything private on this case. However, even she isn’t prepared for the ending that suddenly shows up—with gun in hand and a story for the ages …
With her estranged husband still pestering her, Doreen is looking for a new case to keep her interest and to help her dodge Mack and his brother’s scoldings. So she decides to delve deeper into the Bob Small case, especially since it pertains to Nan’s now-deceased friend.
Only to have the case suddenly connect to a current friend and Rosemoor resident. When this woman’s sister ends up murdered, and there’s a connection to Bob Small, Doreen and her animals are off on the trail, … much to Corporal Mack Moreau’s disgust.
Anything to do with Bob Small is big. He was linked to dozens of unsolved murder cases, and no way will Doreen do anything private on this case. However, even she isn’t prepared for the ending that suddenly shows up—with gun in hand and a story for the ages …
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2023
About the author
Dale Mayer
438 books1,662 followersDale 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 18, 2023
I just adore this series sm!
September 27, 2023
This one focused on the Bob Small murders and it was a bit anti-climatic. Matthew needs to be gone so Mack and Doreen and move on. Doreen needs to get over some of those hangs up, though Mack has the patience of a saint. By now Doreen should know when the animals start reacting that means bad news is around the corner. Overall, for me it was an okay read and not the best in the series, though I’m still enjoying Nan and the adventures of the nursing home residents.
September 11, 2023
The quote for the day when I opened Goodreads was by Joyce Carol Oates and said “Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice, another's soul." Unfortunately not the case for this series.
You know how there’s always that blonde girl at the start of horror films who does something stupid and gets taken out? Well that’s our heroine Doreen here, except she stumbles into both surviving and solving the mystery! Case in point, there’s a serial killer in town and she’s been warned repeatedly to stay indoors. So what does Doreen do? She says to her faithful canine offsider Mugs, and I quote, “It’s a lovely day, so let’s take a meandering way home and learn something new about the town”.
Welcome to my favourite hate read where you’ll be cheering the villain on hoping against hope that this time she won’t be so lucky. It’s actually quite strange reading a mystery series with zero personal investment in the main character.
Another example, without real spoilers, she finally learns of an important identifying factor so what does she do, she fails to tell her pet policeman. Instead she basically lets the killer know she can identify him and then goes home to bake a cake.
Look the problem I have with this series is that I just can’t empathise with the main character. She does have a detailed back story but it doesn’t explain or excuse her behaviour. Nor does it explain other people’s responses to her. It doesn’t gel. I can’t even really see her face, she seems to be at best a means for progressing the plot. Not believable but does the job.
Now I love Dale Mayer’s psychic mysteries and, though relatively formulaic, each one has characters with depth and sensitivity often attained through adversity. I’m wondering if Doreen is meant to be a bit of light relief after churning so many dark nights of the soul kind of books? If so it’s not working for me. She comes across as ditzy, dim and indulged, with unbelievable luck.
I’m still hanging in there thanks to the quirky bunch of supporting characters (Nan and her retirement home cohorts would be a great offshoot series) and usually interesting twists in the mystery. Not this time. At least with Victim in the Violets we’re almost at the end of the alphabet.
You know how there’s always that blonde girl at the start of horror films who does something stupid and gets taken out? Well that’s our heroine Doreen here, except she stumbles into both surviving and solving the mystery! Case in point, there’s a serial killer in town and she’s been warned repeatedly to stay indoors. So what does Doreen do? She says to her faithful canine offsider Mugs, and I quote, “It’s a lovely day, so let’s take a meandering way home and learn something new about the town”.
Welcome to my favourite hate read where you’ll be cheering the villain on hoping against hope that this time she won’t be so lucky. It’s actually quite strange reading a mystery series with zero personal investment in the main character.
Another example, without real spoilers, she finally learns of an important identifying factor so what does she do, she fails to tell her pet policeman. Instead she basically lets the killer know she can identify him and then goes home to bake a cake.
Look the problem I have with this series is that I just can’t empathise with the main character. She does have a detailed back story but it doesn’t explain or excuse her behaviour. Nor does it explain other people’s responses to her. It doesn’t gel. I can’t even really see her face, she seems to be at best a means for progressing the plot. Not believable but does the job.
Now I love Dale Mayer’s psychic mysteries and, though relatively formulaic, each one has characters with depth and sensitivity often attained through adversity. I’m wondering if Doreen is meant to be a bit of light relief after churning so many dark nights of the soul kind of books? If so it’s not working for me. She comes across as ditzy, dim and indulged, with unbelievable luck.
I’m still hanging in there thanks to the quirky bunch of supporting characters (Nan and her retirement home cohorts would be a great offshoot series) and usually interesting twists in the mystery. Not this time. At least with Victim in the Violets we’re almost at the end of the alphabet.
September 5, 2023
As this book opens Doreen is reading and relaxing by the creek with her animals when Mugs barks. It's Mack with a pizza, he didn't call in case she was napping. She's taken a couple of days off since Ella Hickman is on a trip and wouldn't be back until today. Both Doreen and the police want to speak with her about Bob Small. They are having a fun conversation about the previous case. As they continue eating and chatting Mack's phone rings. It's the Captain, a body was found at the airport, identified as Ella.
This not only complicates Doreen's research on the Bob Small case, but it will also impact one of Nan's friends Nelly, Ella's sister. Nan calls her upset saying Nelly wants to talk to her and only her. Doreen knows she has to tell Mack but decides to go see what she has to say first.
What Nelly has to say is surprising, but she needs to confirm the cause of death with Mack and tell him about the conversation.
As Doreen goes back over her notes on Bob Small she comes up with more questions.
Conversations with Nelly seem to add more to the story each time. Never does she give all the information. This is frustrating to both Doreen and Mack.
I love the way this story unfolds, there are so many twists, and of course there is Mack and Doreen's relationship. I really can't wait until her divorce is final. I also love the antics of Goliath, Thaddeus and Mugs. They are the best pets ever!
I can't wait for the next book!
This not only complicates Doreen's research on the Bob Small case, but it will also impact one of Nan's friends Nelly, Ella's sister. Nan calls her upset saying Nelly wants to talk to her and only her. Doreen knows she has to tell Mack but decides to go see what she has to say first.
What Nelly has to say is surprising, but she needs to confirm the cause of death with Mack and tell him about the conversation.
As Doreen goes back over her notes on Bob Small she comes up with more questions.
Conversations with Nelly seem to add more to the story each time. Never does she give all the information. This is frustrating to both Doreen and Mack.
I love the way this story unfolds, there are so many twists, and of course there is Mack and Doreen's relationship. I really can't wait until her divorce is final. I also love the antics of Goliath, Thaddeus and Mugs. They are the best pets ever!
I can't wait for the next book!
September 8, 2023
Book 22 in Dale Mayer's " Lovely Lethal Gardens" series and Doreen is growing in confidence.
Doreen Montgomery had been arm candy for her wealthy, controlling husband, until he cheated on her, she had to learn quickly how to live an independent life even though her domestic skills were zilch. Doreen did however have one talent and had become quite well known in the community as an armature sleuth "helping" her long suffering and often despairing friend, Lt Mack Moreau of the Kelowna PD.
Doreen was only allowed to delve into cold cases but sometimes her enthusiasm got the better of her and she strayed into Mack's territory.
Bob Small had been wanted by the police for a long time to answer questions into a series of murders, Doreen, with her skill for digging out information had managed to uncover things that the police department hadn't had access to but it was that information that was to put Doreen's life in danger.
These stories are very much mysteries to be solved, some of it "tongue in cheek", the characters are wonderful, Nan and her cohorts at the nursing home, ever patient Mack waiting for Doreen's divorce to be finalised before he makes a move, in the meantime trying to keep her safe, and not forgetting the enchanting menagerie of animals always at Doreen's side. Another great story in a fabulous series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Doreen Montgomery had been arm candy for her wealthy, controlling husband, until he cheated on her, she had to learn quickly how to live an independent life even though her domestic skills were zilch. Doreen did however have one talent and had become quite well known in the community as an armature sleuth "helping" her long suffering and often despairing friend, Lt Mack Moreau of the Kelowna PD.
Doreen was only allowed to delve into cold cases but sometimes her enthusiasm got the better of her and she strayed into Mack's territory.
Bob Small had been wanted by the police for a long time to answer questions into a series of murders, Doreen, with her skill for digging out information had managed to uncover things that the police department hadn't had access to but it was that information that was to put Doreen's life in danger.
These stories are very much mysteries to be solved, some of it "tongue in cheek", the characters are wonderful, Nan and her cohorts at the nursing home, ever patient Mack waiting for Doreen's divorce to be finalised before he makes a move, in the meantime trying to keep her safe, and not forgetting the enchanting menagerie of animals always at Doreen's side. Another great story in a fabulous series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2023
How I love this series ❤📖. Mack, Doreen and the animals dive into a case that's really been bugging Doreen, new information and clues tie into a current case and finally they may get a chance to alive a lot of outstanding deaths. Relationship is more relaxed with hugs and kisses, Mack though concerned for her safety seemed to accept that she was still involved especially when one person won't talk to anyone but Doreen. Suspense and some excitement but I loved the main climax to this, that did not go how I expected and of course the teasing lead into the next book 😂🤣🤗 had me smiling big time. Quirky but fascinating series with characters I adore, I can't get enough of these. Mystery and murder don't usually get a fun aspect but these do. Doreen has a way of working around the things they know and then pushing to find more or reason out the why's and when's, the how's and then solve the whole thing. Amazing, complex, entertaining and gripping. I forced myself to go slow and savour this as I know there are only a few left before the end of this current series but it was hard as I really wanted to devour it.
September 10, 2023
SPOILERS 4.5/5⭐
First off I want to say overall I really did enjoy this book and I wanted to give it 5⭐ because yea finally Bob Small serial killer extrodinaire was stopped and it was a very good ending. That being said the annoyances for me where as follows:
1) All the wincing (53x) has gotten so annoying I think I might actually hate the word wince in all its forms
2) The bursting out laughing in most cases made (to me) no sense and didn't fit right for the moment and threw off the flow
3) I could be wrong on this but I also don't remember Mack "snapping" at Doreen in the past but in this one it happened too much and sometimes seemed outta context. I also didn't care for it.
4) This is the biggest annoyance for me: in the past Doreen has done some questionable actions but this book was written in a way that made me actually root for the killer to kill her more than once. I can't recall ever thinking before that she was TSTL, but in this one definitely and more than once.
All that aside I am looking forward to Whispers in the Wisteria. Here's hoping that there'll be little to (hopefully) NO wincing.
First off I want to say overall I really did enjoy this book and I wanted to give it 5⭐ because yea finally Bob Small serial killer extrodinaire was stopped and it was a very good ending. That being said the annoyances for me where as follows:
1) All the wincing (53x) has gotten so annoying I think I might actually hate the word wince in all its forms
2) The bursting out laughing in most cases made (to me) no sense and didn't fit right for the moment and threw off the flow
3) I could be wrong on this but I also don't remember Mack "snapping" at Doreen in the past but in this one it happened too much and sometimes seemed outta context. I also didn't care for it.
4) This is the biggest annoyance for me: in the past Doreen has done some questionable actions but this book was written in a way that made me actually root for the killer to kill her more than once. I can't recall ever thinking before that she was TSTL, but in this one definitely and more than once.
All that aside I am looking forward to Whispers in the Wisteria. Here's hoping that there'll be little to (hopefully) NO wincing.
August 13, 2023
Doreen's estranged husband is still pestering her and so she is looking for the distraction of a new case which will keep her occupied as well as stop Mack and his brother scolding her all of the time. So she decides to look further into the Bob Small case as it also pertains to a deceased friend of her Nan's. Then the case abruptly connects to a current friend who is also a Rosemoor resident especially as her sister ends up dead and there is a connection to Bob Small. and so Doreen is off on the trail. But Doreen is not prepared and especially when it involves a gun and a story.
I enjoyed this story where once again Doreen was back to proper investigation and racking down lads as she struggled to work out what happened. There were a lot of lies involved and it wasn't hard to navigate through them. I loved the ending which was not what I thought would happen. Easy to read, feel and understand. Definitely, a mystery to be solved as the story develops.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this story where once again Doreen was back to proper investigation and racking down lads as she struggled to work out what happened. There were a lot of lies involved and it wasn't hard to navigate through them. I loved the ending which was not what I thought would happen. Easy to read, feel and understand. Definitely, a mystery to be solved as the story develops.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2023
Victim in the Violets by Dale Mayer
Lethal Lovely Gardens Series Book Twenty-Two
Doreen and her crew are at it again. After her big find in her last cold case, she may be getting closer to finding the infamous Bob Small. Only when one of her top leads is murdered, and she has to find new routes to get information.
She has to be careful not to cross the line between her cold cases and Mack’s ongoing cases, as doing the wrong thing could mess things up for him when they go to court. She is trying to listen and behave, but her excitement about finding answers sometimes takes over.
Meanwhile, she still tries to ignore Mathew, her soon-to-be ex-husband. She wants that all behind her, but he’s not ready to give up any of his money. And she will not move ahead on her feelings for Mack until she’s free, which I find admirable.
Fun stories with Mugs, Goliath, and Thaddeus helping and protecting her as she gets into one mess after another.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Lethal Lovely Gardens Series Book Twenty-Two
Doreen and her crew are at it again. After her big find in her last cold case, she may be getting closer to finding the infamous Bob Small. Only when one of her top leads is murdered, and she has to find new routes to get information.
She has to be careful not to cross the line between her cold cases and Mack’s ongoing cases, as doing the wrong thing could mess things up for him when they go to court. She is trying to listen and behave, but her excitement about finding answers sometimes takes over.
Meanwhile, she still tries to ignore Mathew, her soon-to-be ex-husband. She wants that all behind her, but he’s not ready to give up any of his money. And she will not move ahead on her feelings for Mack until she’s free, which I find admirable.
Fun stories with Mugs, Goliath, and Thaddeus helping and protecting her as she gets into one mess after another.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
September 8, 2023
A cozy mystery that will have you on The edge of your seats. The characters are captivating. As we join Doreen and her quirky pet as she gets involved in trying to find out more on Bob Small the serial killer.Mack gets A call telling him there has been a murder at the airport.He tells Doreen he has to go that there is a .murder at the airport .She asks if its the woman she was waiting to talk to he says I'm sorry but yes it is. As she sits there she's getting bored she tells the pets lets go for a walk.The her phone rings an its Nan she asks Doreen is it true? Doreen tries to be evasive but Nan asks again an Doreen says yes its true.Nan say can you come down here her sister is falling apart and says she will only talk to you.So Doreen goes.Doreen and mugs,theadous and goliath head to see Nan. There so many twists an turns to this story you will be riveted til the very last page.Will Do seems luck finally runout? I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented authof.
September 14, 2023
Another great read. Can't wait for the next release.
Another great read in the lovely gardens series. I'm always impatient when i am waiting for the book to drop. And set an alarm when it's about to be released because it exciting and i want to see what happens in the life of Doreen, her animals, Mack, her nan and the residents of Rosemoor and Kelowna. This time it's a serial killer, some deaths and a race against time to stop them. I wasn't expecting the killer to have a conversation with Doreen, give her evidence AND tell her who killed the others. That wasn't the twist i was expecting at all. Plus she made her first cake and i was so cheering her on for that i love Doreen and Mack's relationship of sorts. They both have feelings but she wants to wait for her divorce. I need the other book because I want to know what nick, her divorce lawyer, has to tell her. A great read and I will say that it's best to read these in order because they sort of follow on.
Another great read in the lovely gardens series. I'm always impatient when i am waiting for the book to drop. And set an alarm when it's about to be released because it exciting and i want to see what happens in the life of Doreen, her animals, Mack, her nan and the residents of Rosemoor and Kelowna. This time it's a serial killer, some deaths and a race against time to stop them. I wasn't expecting the killer to have a conversation with Doreen, give her evidence AND tell her who killed the others. That wasn't the twist i was expecting at all. Plus she made her first cake and i was so cheering her on for that i love Doreen and Mack's relationship of sorts. They both have feelings but she wants to wait for her divorce. I need the other book because I want to know what nick, her divorce lawyer, has to tell her. A great read and I will say that it's best to read these in order because they sort of follow on.
August 21, 2023
Doreen can't resist a mystery and continues to find trouble delving into them. Her friend Corporal Mack Moreau is constantly trying to keep her out of trouble and safe but it's near impossible since Doreen has a tendency to jump in with both feet and doesn't always think about the consequences being a problem. Her grandmother Nan, who is quite the character herself, is in a retirement community, loves being helpful and includes her friends in the process.
Doreen can be a stinker but I can't help looking forward to her next adventure with her trio of pets, her ability to find trouble without trying, her friend Mack and his brother who is a lawyer and handling her complicated divorce, and more. I look forward to joining her for her next escapade She is a delight!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Doreen can be a stinker but I can't help looking forward to her next adventure with her trio of pets, her ability to find trouble without trying, her friend Mack and his brother who is a lawyer and handling her complicated divorce, and more. I look forward to joining her for her next escapade She is a delight!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2023
I loved Victim in the Violets .
This is book 22 in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series . It's truly outstanding . While waiting on her divorce to be final Doreen Montgomery and her animals are back to solving the next crime . When Doreen starts working on the old Bob Small serial killer case she finds her grandmother's friend Nelly is connected . As Corporal Mack and his fellow officers are working on a murder case that just happens to be Nelly's sister . They find it's tied into Doreen's cold case and she maybe in danger of being next on the serial killers list . This story is definitely witty and delightful full of intrigue and all out entertaining . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
This is book 22 in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series . It's truly outstanding . While waiting on her divorce to be final Doreen Montgomery and her animals are back to solving the next crime . When Doreen starts working on the old Bob Small serial killer case she finds her grandmother's friend Nelly is connected . As Corporal Mack and his fellow officers are working on a murder case that just happens to be Nelly's sister . They find it's tied into Doreen's cold case and she maybe in danger of being next on the serial killers list . This story is definitely witty and delightful full of intrigue and all out entertaining . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
August 25, 2023
Doreen's curiosity, tenacity along with her trio of beloved pets has her solving cold cases left and right. Victim in the Violets is a current case and a friend is in need. Doreen is a breath of fresh air, innocence and intelligence. Doreen is not law enforcement and thinks outside the box. There is mystery some suspense and always a twist. Dale Mayer always provides a twist. I did figure out some of the guilty,you know there's more than one, but was surprised at the why. I shouldn't have been. Doreen continues to grow in confidence and having Mack not bellow all the time makes this an enjoyable read. Cozy Mystery Delivers. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #VictimInTheViolets #LovelyLethalGardens #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishingLTD #BookSprout
September 30, 2023
Doreen is the amateur sleuth who is known for her animals and for closing cold cases. Her Boyfriend Corporal Mack Moreau tries to keep her out of his active cases, but his cases always seem have a cold case component. This book is no different. When Ella an old girlfriend of a suspected serial killer a is shot, Mack’s case to solve Ella shooting and Doreen’s cold case to catch Bob Small become intertwined. For some reason people feel comfortable talking to Doreen and in this story, she ends up solving the active case and the cold case. I’m not sure what Dale Mayer plans for when the alphabet series ends but I’m looking forward to it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2023
I have really enjoyed this series. It is not your cookie cutter storyline. However I do have an issue with Victim in the Violets.
Because it was some time between reading the last book and this one I was Totally lost. The first chapter started where the last book left off as if it were the next chapter, not a new book. I literally had to go back and re read the last few chapters of the previous book to know where I was. Each book builds on the last and I am fine with that but this one would have benefited from a few sentences reminding the reader why this is going on…example why she is recuperating and resting by the creek.
That said, I still am dreading the end that I know has to come but I don’t want it to end.
Because it was some time between reading the last book and this one I was Totally lost. The first chapter started where the last book left off as if it were the next chapter, not a new book. I literally had to go back and re read the last few chapters of the previous book to know where I was. Each book builds on the last and I am fine with that but this one would have benefited from a few sentences reminding the reader why this is going on…example why she is recuperating and resting by the creek.
That said, I still am dreading the end that I know has to come but I don’t want it to end.
September 6, 2023
Ella is killed at the airport and Nan is calling Doreen because Ella's sister Nelly will only talk to her. Mack is on the job and not happy that Nelly is pulling Doreen into the investigation and suddenly Bob Small the serial killer is back in town. Doreen is trying to find him, but Nelly keeps changing her story and making matters more confusing. The whole investigation is pure chaos with misinformation, changing stories, missing details and the pesky husband who just won't sign the papers to end everything it's a wonder anything gets done yet in the end, well you just have to read it to believe it, it's a complete shocker. Really Great read.
September 7, 2023
Another fun cozy mystery read. This time is all about the notorious serial killer Bob Small case, it is a big case but easily solved, so I kinda felt a little bit disappointed, I enjoy the twist though, love dysfunctional family drama, all the lies and betrayals. No action from those amazing trio Mugs, Goliath and Thadeus, but still they're adorable as always. My fav part definitely the relationship between Doreen and Mack that keeps getting better and better, love those sweet moments, always adore their banter. Overall it's a fun fast read for me and if you're looking for fun easy fast-paced cozy mystery with lovable characters, you have to try this series.
August 31, 2024
My least favorite book in the series so far. I did not like Nellie from the get go. She was whiney, needy and lying from the start. The Bob Small case is a major concern throughout the book. I was ready to stop reading fairly early – I did not care who killed Ella since I was sick of her sister Nellie.
I found the reveal to have very interesting twists to it. I was not surprised to learn that I had figured out Ella’s killer shortly after it happened. I just stuck around to see if the Bob Small series of murders would be solved or whether it would drag out much longer.
I listened to this on hoopla via my library. The narrator does a wonderful job.
I found the reveal to have very interesting twists to it. I was not surprised to learn that I had figured out Ella’s killer shortly after it happened. I just stuck around to see if the Bob Small series of murders would be solved or whether it would drag out much longer.
I listened to this on hoopla via my library. The narrator does a wonderful job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2023
I love that after everything she finally gets to tackle the Bob Small files head on. I will say that I was a little disappointed in how easy it was solved; however, there is an unexpected twist at the end that helped make up for it. The dynamic between her and Mack is my favorite although I feel for him as the relationship feels rather stalled. I wish Mathew would just get out of the way, but I feel something is coming for him. I absolutely love this series by Mayer. It's a must read. I volunteered to read this book via booksprout.
September 14, 2023
Reading about any adventure Doreen and her menagerie goes on is always entertaining and charming. This latest victim was someone Doreen was waiting for when the murder occurred. That makes it Mack's case and he is determined to keep Doreen safe. That isn't easy as he well knows, so instead he sticks close to her side. The romance is growing between them as the divorce from Doreen's slimy ex gets closer. Definitely a page turner, laugh out loud, and dangerous times inside this book. Great job!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this addition to the series!
Great storyline, but not enough scenarios involving the animals and bird. They're what drew me to this series. The earlier mysteries had many more scenarios with Thaddeus, Mugs and Goliath, but as the series progressed, not so much. I know they can't be added to books already written, but I'm hoping the new part of the series will have more parts with them in it. Otherwise, this is a wonderful, interesting and very enjoyable series!
Great storyline, but not enough scenarios involving the animals and bird. They're what drew me to this series. The earlier mysteries had many more scenarios with Thaddeus, Mugs and Goliath, but as the series progressed, not so much. I know they can't be added to books already written, but I'm hoping the new part of the series will have more parts with them in it. Otherwise, this is a wonderful, interesting and very enjoyable series!
August 28, 2023
Doreen and co are taking downtime till Nan rings needing help. Only this time we see just how far Doreen's work practices has come. Taking time to think how her actions come into play and Doreen gets the chance to work on her oldest cold case.
Mack is pleased in the changes but this being new dangers to Doreen.
Seeing them grow together both in their personal relationship and their work relationship is keeps you turning the pages wanting more.
Mack is pleased in the changes but this being new dangers to Doreen.
Seeing them grow together both in their personal relationship and their work relationship is keeps you turning the pages wanting more.
September 4, 2023
Oh wow, this was another terrific entry for this series that I simply adore. Doreen and her faithful menagerie are back once again on the case and the mystery, suspense, and twists are gripping and delightful. Mack and Nan are here too, so you know you are going to get sparks and laughter right along with all the thrills and intrigue. This cozy mystery series never disappoints and always leaves you eagerly anticipating the next book.
September 5, 2023
Doreen can't help herself, not even looking for a crime one lands in her lap.
A connection is at the home where her nan lives and Doreen is determined to help.
I love all the characters in this series. The stories stand alone but so much better if you follow the character growth from the beginning.
I enjoyed watching the story unfold and all the pieces coming together.
I'm looking forward to the end where surely Doreen will have a lifestyle change and yet at the same time dreading it.
A connection is at the home where her nan lives and Doreen is determined to help.
I love all the characters in this series. The stories stand alone but so much better if you follow the character growth from the beginning.
I enjoyed watching the story unfold and all the pieces coming together.
I'm looking forward to the end where surely Doreen will have a lifestyle change and yet at the same time dreading it.
September 5, 2023
Much to Mack and his Captain's chagrin Doreen is not letting things go and her old case is linked to their new case so everyone needs to play nice. Things are still dragging with Doreen's ex which stops her and Mack getting closer which is a shame as it would have been the perfect birthday gift for Mack, however helping to solve murder is the gift she keeps on giving.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2023
After all of the conversations about Bob Small in so many of the previous books, did not expect the ending. There was nothing in my imagination that would have come up with that particular result of the Bob Small serial killer saga.
I ended up listening to the last chapters twice, just to make sure I heard them correctly.
The one thing that wasn't shocking was the continued slow, slow burn romance of Mack and Doreen.
I ended up listening to the last chapters twice, just to make sure I heard them correctly.
The one thing that wasn't shocking was the continued slow, slow burn romance of Mack and Doreen.
September 7, 2023
Another wonderful story in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series, well-written and packed with plenty of drama and intrigue throughout. Doreen is fresh off a case and needs a new challenge when Nan phones about a lady at her home and her sister which leads Doreen and Mack on the trail of a serial killer who has been causing chaos for decades. I'm really enjoying this series and watching Doreen and Mack's relationship deepen.
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September 9, 2023OMG! Dale has done it again! Doreen finally gets to solve the many cases involving Bob Small. This was definitely a twist in the murders. Doreen was so fixated on one person, she didn't realize about the other killer. Mack has truly been patient with Doreen in all of her "troubles" in these cases. The next case sounds intriguing as well. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next book!
March 18, 2024
This is "Lethal Lovely Gardens"-Series Book Twenty-Two.
Doreen is looking for a new case, so she delves deeper into the death of her Nan’s now-deceased friend. Could her death has been connected to a serial killer, who is linked to dozens of unsolved murder cases? Doreen and her animals are off to find out.
Even though I finished this book quite quick, there were a lot of things that I didn't like about this book. Overall, I thought it was just ok.
Doreen is looking for a new case, so she delves deeper into the death of her Nan’s now-deceased friend. Could her death has been connected to a serial killer, who is linked to dozens of unsolved murder cases? Doreen and her animals are off to find out.
Even though I finished this book quite quick, there were a lot of things that I didn't like about this book. Overall, I thought it was just ok.
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