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Mandy Dyer #1
Taken to the Cleaners
mystery stars a Denver dry cleaner and recent divorcee who comes across a bloody men's suit and, despite the disappearance of potential witness, tries to discover the whereabouts of its owner.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Dolores Johnson
41 books21 followersDolores Johnson is a journalist who has worked on newspapers in Oregon, California, Wyoming and Colorado, but she always wanted to write and sell a murder mystery. She tried writing books about an investigative reporter and a newspaper editor, but it wasn't until she wrote a book about a dry cleaner, using her background as a free-lance writer and field reporter for American Drycleaner, that she met with success.
Series:
* Mandy Dyer Mystery
Series:
* Mandy Dyer Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 13, 2023
The first book in the Mandy Dyer cozy mystery series gets the dry cleaner involved with a local bag lady brings in one of the cleaner’s signature laundry bags, inside of which is a bloody suit.
This has all the hallmarks of a successful cozy series. A wide array of possible suspects, an amateur sleuth whose “day job” brings her in contact with lots of people, a hunky detective who just may have a personal interest in our heroine, and a cast of colorful supporting characters. She also has an irascible cat, who seems to hate everyone. The setting is Denver and this episode is set in December, so you know there will be cold and snow to contend with.
I figured out the killer long before either Mandy or the police, but it still held my attention. (Though I admit to yelling at the book several times with an “What are you thinking?! It’s obviously XXX!”) There were also a number of loose threads, but the culprit was ultimately apprehended and that’s what really counts.
This was first published in 1997 and it shows … limited computer use, no cell phones. Still, I’d be willing to try another in the series.
This has all the hallmarks of a successful cozy series. A wide array of possible suspects, an amateur sleuth whose “day job” brings her in contact with lots of people, a hunky detective who just may have a personal interest in our heroine, and a cast of colorful supporting characters. She also has an irascible cat, who seems to hate everyone. The setting is Denver and this episode is set in December, so you know there will be cold and snow to contend with.
I figured out the killer long before either Mandy or the police, but it still held my attention. (Though I admit to yelling at the book several times with an “What are you thinking?! It’s obviously XXX!”) There were also a number of loose threads, but the culprit was ultimately apprehended and that’s what really counts.
This was first published in 1997 and it shows … limited computer use, no cell phones. Still, I’d be willing to try another in the series.
April 14, 2025
This book was confusing to me. I know that it was released in the late 90s but I thought that with the re-release, they would have updated it but that doesn’t seem to be the case and it is very dated – very little computer use, even less car phone use, smoking sections in restaurants, and who brings a jogging suit to a dry cleaner?!!! The mystery itself was OK but not overly different other than the dry cleaner setting. There is so much repetition and the main character can be somewhat annoying at time; the same goes for her best friend and her uncle. Not sure if I will continue with the series or not.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an honest review.
March 29, 2025
First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing and Audio for access to the aARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review:
3.75 ⭐s rounded up to 4
Originally published in 1997 with its audio debut hitting in April 2025, Taken to the Cleaners was certainly a nostalgic kick for me as a product of the 90s.
Mandy Dyer owns a dryer cleaner in Denver, CO after the passing of her uncle. Everything in her life is going well, even with the recent edition of Spot the grumpy cat in her studio apartment. Until Betty the local bag lady shows up at the dry cleaner with a bloody suit in one of the cleaner's bags that puts Mandy smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation being headed by 'hunky' Detective Foster.
This was definitely entertaining to listen to. While it was a fairly stereotypical cozy mystery, the character, Betty, gave it something unique and fun. Foster was endearing enough, Mandy was sweet even if she didn't make some of the best decisions. I will admit, this one did definitely keep me guessing.
As for the narrator, I enjoyed her well enough, but every scene with Mack was...a lot. I didn't fully understand the vocal inflections she used for his character and at times, it was annoying.
All in all, it is definitely the product of its time period, but it was fun and lighthearted.
Review:
3.75 ⭐s rounded up to 4
Originally published in 1997 with its audio debut hitting in April 2025, Taken to the Cleaners was certainly a nostalgic kick for me as a product of the 90s.
Mandy Dyer owns a dryer cleaner in Denver, CO after the passing of her uncle. Everything in her life is going well, even with the recent edition of Spot the grumpy cat in her studio apartment. Until Betty the local bag lady shows up at the dry cleaner with a bloody suit in one of the cleaner's bags that puts Mandy smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation being headed by 'hunky' Detective Foster.
This was definitely entertaining to listen to. While it was a fairly stereotypical cozy mystery, the character, Betty, gave it something unique and fun. Foster was endearing enough, Mandy was sweet even if she didn't make some of the best decisions. I will admit, this one did definitely keep me guessing.
As for the narrator, I enjoyed her well enough, but every scene with Mack was...a lot. I didn't fully understand the vocal inflections she used for his character and at times, it was annoying.
All in all, it is definitely the product of its time period, but it was fun and lighthearted.
February 11, 2020
I've had many books of this series around for several years but never read one- until now. I found this book to be a fun read. The characters are well rounded and there's some humor. Plus who doesn't want to know more about dry cleaning?
In this book Mandy Dyer, who owns a dry cleaning business in Denver, gets involved in a murder mystery when Betty, the bag lady, brings a bloody shirt she found in a dumpster into the dry cleaners. Of course it belongs to a murder victim.
I wanted to give this 4 stars but I'm being cautious. I will definitely read more books in this series.
In this book Mandy Dyer, who owns a dry cleaning business in Denver, gets involved in a murder mystery when Betty, the bag lady, brings a bloody shirt she found in a dumpster into the dry cleaners. Of course it belongs to a murder victim.
I wanted to give this 4 stars but I'm being cautious. I will definitely read more books in this series.
April 14, 2010
This book is a good, light and funny read. It is human, it is joyful, it is delightful.
I am sure that she has written more since this book because this book was good enough for a sequel or series.
Mystery fans will enjoy it.
J. Robert Ewbank, author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
I am sure that she has written more since this book because this book was good enough for a sequel or series.
Mystery fans will enjoy it.
J. Robert Ewbank, author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
March 25, 2025
Dolores Johnson’s Taken to the Cleaners is an engaging mix of murder mystery, business intrigue, and romance, made even more compelling in audiobook format. The narration is excellent, with distinct voices that bring each character to life. The delivery is smooth, making the story easy to follow despite a sizable cast, and the dialogue flows naturally, enhancing the immersive experience.
The plot is chock-full of action, romance, and unexpected twists that keep the listener hooked. The murder mystery unfolds cleverly, offering plenty of red herrings and allowing the audience to piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The complexity of professional and personal relationships is woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the stakes feel real and the drama all the more engaging. The love triangle backdrop adds another layer of intrigue without overpowering the central mystery.
The main character’s nosiness makes her feel incredibly relatable, and her determination drives the story forward. Side characters, like Betty and Nat, provide well-placed comic relief, adding levity to the tense moments. Spot the cat is a charming addition, a sweet yet silly presence that brings warmth to the story. Some characters, like Mac and Nat, were a little difficult to keep straight at times, but that may just be a personal issue rather than a flaw in the writing.
The action scenes are thrilling, keeping the pace fast and the stakes high. The twists and betrayals hit hard, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion that ties back to earlier details in a satisfying way. The ending leaves just enough uncertainty to set up future books, making it a perfect lead-in for a potential series.
Overall, Taken to the Cleaners is a gripping audiobook experience, blending mystery, action, and romance seamlessly. Fans of twisty mysteries with strong characters, humor, and high-stakes drama will find plenty to love.
The plot is chock-full of action, romance, and unexpected twists that keep the listener hooked. The murder mystery unfolds cleverly, offering plenty of red herrings and allowing the audience to piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The complexity of professional and personal relationships is woven seamlessly into the narrative, making the stakes feel real and the drama all the more engaging. The love triangle backdrop adds another layer of intrigue without overpowering the central mystery.
The main character’s nosiness makes her feel incredibly relatable, and her determination drives the story forward. Side characters, like Betty and Nat, provide well-placed comic relief, adding levity to the tense moments. Spot the cat is a charming addition, a sweet yet silly presence that brings warmth to the story. Some characters, like Mac and Nat, were a little difficult to keep straight at times, but that may just be a personal issue rather than a flaw in the writing.
The action scenes are thrilling, keeping the pace fast and the stakes high. The twists and betrayals hit hard, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion that ties back to earlier details in a satisfying way. The ending leaves just enough uncertainty to set up future books, making it a perfect lead-in for a potential series.
Overall, Taken to the Cleaners is a gripping audiobook experience, blending mystery, action, and romance seamlessly. Fans of twisty mysteries with strong characters, humor, and high-stakes drama will find plenty to love.
April 15, 2025
Thanks to Brilliance Audio & NetGalley for providing an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute-enough little mystery, although it's not so great that it needs to be resurrected from the 1997 vault from whence it came. Mandy is an artist who inherited a dry cleaning business from her uncle (along with an ornery cat named Spot), and she runs the business with gusto. One morning, the "bag lady" (this is just one of the outdated things in this mystery) who comes by for coffee and a donut, a tradition begun by Mandy's uncle, brings by a men's suit she found in one of the branded dry cleaning bags used by the business; she found it in a trash can and is angling for a cash reward. Mandy gives her a $20 bill but opens the bag to find that the suit is splattered with blood. Then the cops get involved, specifically the hunky Stan Foster, who enchants Mandy (not that she bothers letting him know this, exactly, and seems almost to dissuade him from his interest at times).
Amateur sleuth Mandy of course goes way too far trying to solve the mystery and protect her homeless buddy from attempts on her life. I try not to solve the crime while reading, but it was practically a neon sign flashing while I listened to the audiobook. The writing is charming enough, and Mandy, while somewhat annoying, is not a terrible character, but the plot needs work (and less repetition). If you want a trip back to life before cell phones, this is a good one for you.
Emily Ellet does a fine job, but someone needed to tell her that Loni Anderson is not pronounced "Loney" (yes, there is a reference to "WKRP in Cincinnati").
2.5 stars rounded up. It was OK, but I'm not going to read another.
This is a cute-enough little mystery, although it's not so great that it needs to be resurrected from the 1997 vault from whence it came. Mandy is an artist who inherited a dry cleaning business from her uncle (along with an ornery cat named Spot), and she runs the business with gusto. One morning, the "bag lady" (this is just one of the outdated things in this mystery) who comes by for coffee and a donut, a tradition begun by Mandy's uncle, brings by a men's suit she found in one of the branded dry cleaning bags used by the business; she found it in a trash can and is angling for a cash reward. Mandy gives her a $20 bill but opens the bag to find that the suit is splattered with blood. Then the cops get involved, specifically the hunky Stan Foster, who enchants Mandy (not that she bothers letting him know this, exactly, and seems almost to dissuade him from his interest at times).
Amateur sleuth Mandy of course goes way too far trying to solve the mystery and protect her homeless buddy from attempts on her life. I try not to solve the crime while reading, but it was practically a neon sign flashing while I listened to the audiobook. The writing is charming enough, and Mandy, while somewhat annoying, is not a terrible character, but the plot needs work (and less repetition). If you want a trip back to life before cell phones, this is a good one for you.
Emily Ellet does a fine job, but someone needed to tell her that Loni Anderson is not pronounced "Loney" (yes, there is a reference to "WKRP in Cincinnati").
2.5 stars rounded up. It was OK, but I'm not going to read another.
April 4, 2025
Taken to the Cleaners
By Dolores Johnson
Narrated by Emily Ellet
Publishes April 15,2025
Dolores Johnson’s Taken to the Cleaners originally written in 1997 was a book filled with nostalgia for me as I am a 1990’s baby. This release is for the audiobook. The audiobook brought this to life, I felt like i was right there beside Mandy Dyer for all that she goes through.
Mandy Dyer ends up owning a dry cleaner in Denver Colorado after the passing off her Uncle. Life was sailing along with no issues until the “Bag LadY” Betty came in with a bag she found from the dry cleaners. Little did Betty know that the bloody suit she found was evidence in a murder. This suit ends up putting Mandy in the center of the murder investigation who happened to be investigated by Detective Foster the hunky detective Mandy finds attractive.
I love this type of cozy mystery, romance action filled book. There were many unexpected twists and turns and it kept me hooked and having to keep listening because I needed to know what happened next. There are plenty of red herrings that allow you to slowly piece together who the murderer was. But overall I enjoyed this book, it was a great pallet cleanser after listening to a few heavy reads. I felt like Mandy was so relatable and I really connected with her, because she’s always trying to piece together the puzzle and notices so many small details. The perfect neighborhood sleuth.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC audiobook. All opinions are my own.
By Dolores Johnson
Narrated by Emily Ellet
Publishes April 15,2025
Dolores Johnson’s Taken to the Cleaners originally written in 1997 was a book filled with nostalgia for me as I am a 1990’s baby. This release is for the audiobook. The audiobook brought this to life, I felt like i was right there beside Mandy Dyer for all that she goes through.
Mandy Dyer ends up owning a dry cleaner in Denver Colorado after the passing off her Uncle. Life was sailing along with no issues until the “Bag LadY” Betty came in with a bag she found from the dry cleaners. Little did Betty know that the bloody suit she found was evidence in a murder. This suit ends up putting Mandy in the center of the murder investigation who happened to be investigated by Detective Foster the hunky detective Mandy finds attractive.
I love this type of cozy mystery, romance action filled book. There were many unexpected twists and turns and it kept me hooked and having to keep listening because I needed to know what happened next. There are plenty of red herrings that allow you to slowly piece together who the murderer was. But overall I enjoyed this book, it was a great pallet cleanser after listening to a few heavy reads. I felt like Mandy was so relatable and I really connected with her, because she’s always trying to piece together the puzzle and notices so many small details. The perfect neighborhood sleuth.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for the ALC audiobook. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2025
So I had listened to about 50% of this book and I mentioned to my husband that the book seemed like a cozy mystery from back in the day except it had some modern references.
Afterwards I came on to list the book and its progress and came to find out that the book is a rerelease as it was originally published in 1997!
It has obviously been updated since it has mentioning things that just weren’t a thing back then but over all it shows that the book is timeless. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. It was definitely a low stakes palette cleanser. It was a bit predictable but that didn’t bother me as it was a joy to listen to.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Brilliance Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
Afterwards I came on to list the book and its progress and came to find out that the book is a rerelease as it was originally published in 1997!
It has obviously been updated since it has mentioning things that just weren’t a thing back then but over all it shows that the book is timeless. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. It was definitely a low stakes palette cleanser. It was a bit predictable but that didn’t bother me as it was a joy to listen to.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Brilliance Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
April 11, 2025
Out Damn Spot...and capture the murderer
This is the first in the Mandy Dyer series first published in 1997 and being republished. This is the first cozy mystery series I’ve read that is set in a dry cleaners. It makes sense how much dry cleaners can deduce about their customers and how many people they come in contact with. This is super helpful when it comes to protagonists gleaming information before law enforcement.
I like the secondary characters, especially Betty. I admire how Mandy acknowledges Betty as a person.
While I did figure out the culprit, not sure about why. Loved how Betty told Mandy she’s a little slow on the uptake - I agreed. Despite that, I didn’t mind continuing to read. It was a nice easy read. I am want to know what happens with Mandy, Mac, Nat, Betsy, and Det. Foster.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #BrillianceAudio #OpenRoadMedia for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
This is the first in the Mandy Dyer series first published in 1997 and being republished. This is the first cozy mystery series I’ve read that is set in a dry cleaners. It makes sense how much dry cleaners can deduce about their customers and how many people they come in contact with. This is super helpful when it comes to protagonists gleaming information before law enforcement.
I like the secondary characters, especially Betty. I admire how Mandy acknowledges Betty as a person.
While I did figure out the culprit, not sure about why. Loved how Betty told Mandy she’s a little slow on the uptake - I agreed. Despite that, I didn’t mind continuing to read. It was a nice easy read. I am want to know what happens with Mandy, Mac, Nat, Betsy, and Det. Foster.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #BrillianceAudio #OpenRoadMedia for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the story.
Happy Reading!
April 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Taken to the cleaners has a fun premise, cozy vibes, and a likable main character — but the mystery itself was pretty predictable. I kept hoping for a twist that would throw me off, but it all played out just as expected. Full transparency though, I read alot of mysteries/thrillers so I do find that most new mysteries/thrillers I read are predictable :)
That said, I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration — it brought the story to life in a charming, easy way. I’ll definitely pick up the next in the series to see where things go!
Read if you like:
🧺 Small-town amateur sleuths
🎧 Light, well-narrated audiobooks
📚 Comforting, low-stakes mysteries
Taken to the cleaners has a fun premise, cozy vibes, and a likable main character — but the mystery itself was pretty predictable. I kept hoping for a twist that would throw me off, but it all played out just as expected. Full transparency though, I read alot of mysteries/thrillers so I do find that most new mysteries/thrillers I read are predictable :)
That said, I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narration — it brought the story to life in a charming, easy way. I’ll definitely pick up the next in the series to see where things go!
Read if you like:
🧺 Small-town amateur sleuths
🎧 Light, well-narrated audiobooks
📚 Comforting, low-stakes mysteries
May 9, 2025
I am so conflicted about this book. it was released in 1997 (and it DEFINITELY shows!) but I received an arc for it, so I'm guessing it's being re-released? the story itself is good, if you like cozy mystery, which i do. However, I REALLY think they should have given the book a modern revamp or polishing, because after 30 years, some things were cringe worthy to read. the outdated female body/weight shaming was pretty gross. and the fact that the fmc saying she didn't want to give one of the male characters a gun to hold when the cops showed up because he was "a big black man," and she was doing him a favor was pretty yikes... I'll rate it 3 stars, but I'm fighting myself not to rate it lower due to these things.
March 28, 2025
This was a fun read! I always love a good cozy mystery!
Mandy inherited her uncles dry cleaning business. A homeless woman brings in a bloody suit. Who did this belong to??? Mandy is sharing clues with the homicide detective and trying to figure out some things on her own.
I loved the characters and the plot. I was guessing until the end. I think the narrator did a wonderful job. I had no idea this book originally came out in the 90s, so cool!
Thank you NetGalley, Dolores and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC!
Publication Date: April 15 2025
Rating: ✨✨✨
Mandy inherited her uncles dry cleaning business. A homeless woman brings in a bloody suit. Who did this belong to??? Mandy is sharing clues with the homicide detective and trying to figure out some things on her own.
I loved the characters and the plot. I was guessing until the end. I think the narrator did a wonderful job. I had no idea this book originally came out in the 90s, so cool!
Thank you NetGalley, Dolores and Brilliance Publishing for the ALC!
Publication Date: April 15 2025
Rating: ✨✨✨
May 15, 2025
This is the first book in the Mandy Dyer Mystery series. Story follows Mandy Dyer, a recent divorcee who inherits her uncle's dry cleaning business. Her routine is disrupted when Betty, a local homeless woman, brings in a bloody suit.
The Suit is linked to the murder of a high profile lawyer, one if Mandy's clients. Now as she delves into the mystery, her shop is vandalized and Betty is attacked. With the help of her staff and a detective, Mandy navigated clues to uncover the killer's identity.
The Suit is linked to the murder of a high profile lawyer, one if Mandy's clients. Now as she delves into the mystery, her shop is vandalized and Betty is attacked. With the help of her staff and a detective, Mandy navigated clues to uncover the killer's identity.
March 31, 2025
Taken to the Cleaners is a cozy and engaging whodunit that kept me entertained. As the first book in the series, it definitely left me excited to explore more. While it has some dated elements, it didn’t take away from the charm of Mandy’s story and all of the likable characters. I’m looking forward to continuing the series and seeing how the story develops!
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2025
This was a completely enjoyable cozy quirky mystery, it didn't bring anything new to that space for me which makes sense cause its a re release of an older title. I did enjoy the mystery and her pestery nature, but I felt that the mystery itself was fairly obvious and easy to spot early on. That being said I will probably listen to the next few just to see what happens with her and the detective, I'm a sucker for a pest/detective slow burn.
December 24, 2025
When a bag lady brings a bloody suit to Mandy's dry cleaner, she discovers it is the suit of a murdered lawyer. However, she fails to notice that one of her clients—who also happens to be her insurance agent—is wearing a jogging suit with tasselled shoes! She begins analyzing clues with Mack, her trusted employee, but another lawyer is killed in the interim! Despite noticing something and the bag lady telling her as well, she didn't realize who the murderer was until the very end.
January 12, 2025
I found my niche in cozy mysteries with this author. I’ve read every one of her books in this series that revolves about a murder solving dry cleaner named Mandy Dyer. The girl got into some dirty laundry, but always came away smelling like a freshly pressed shirt. (Sorry.)
A really fast and easy read with likable characters and enjoyable adventures.
A really fast and easy read with likable characters and enjoyable adventures.
March 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC opportunity!
This was a fun, quick easy read. I liked the main character and the side characters. There were parts that were very unrealistic but i imagine some of that was purposefully put so that you would get scattered on who the killer may be.
I was wrong about who it was, but they were one of my top 3 choices.
This was a fun, quick easy read. I liked the main character and the side characters. There were parts that were very unrealistic but i imagine some of that was purposefully put so that you would get scattered on who the killer may be.
I was wrong about who it was, but they were one of my top 3 choices.
April 1, 2025
First and foremost, thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing and Audio for access to the aARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’m a sucker for a good cozy mystery and I loved Taken to the Cleaners! This book had the perfect blend of suspense, charm, and quirky characters. The narration was spot-on. A delightful listen for anyone who enjoys a lighthearted yet intriguing mystery!
I’m a sucker for a good cozy mystery and I loved Taken to the Cleaners! This book had the perfect blend of suspense, charm, and quirky characters. The narration was spot-on. A delightful listen for anyone who enjoys a lighthearted yet intriguing mystery!
April 11, 2025
(ALC provided by NetGalley). This was cute! I didn’t realize at first that this was written in 1997 but things made a little more sense once I knew that. I liked to cozy mystery aspect but I was still really surprised at the end. Quick read that still kept me guessing
Narration was really great and fit perfectly with the story
Narration was really great and fit perfectly with the story
December 26, 2025
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.
I read the 2nd and 3rd books before I read this one but I still enjoyed it. Quick read, with the cozy mystery feel. I would consider reading more in this series.
I read the 2nd and 3rd books before I read this one but I still enjoyed it. Quick read, with the cozy mystery feel. I would consider reading more in this series.
April 14, 2021
The bad guy (gal) is always the unexpected but a connected to Dyer's Cleaners and the sleuth owner.
April 5, 2022
This was a good cozy mystery and was the first of eight, I believe. I'm looking forward to reading more from Dolores Johnson!
March 24, 2025
Plodding, repetitive, grating.
June 13, 2026
Mystery.
June 22, 2008
I truly enjoyed this mystery despite realizing the identity of the murderer a little over 50 pages in and the murderer's motivation less than 100 pages later. I'm hoping the author's deftness with red herrings continues to grow with the series, not to mention subtlety and better integration when it comes to revealing clues about the murderer's identity. The main protagonist, Mandy, is realistic and thankfully lacking the stereotypical shrillness, self-involvement and superficiality that often mars cozy series female characters. She has a good set of secondary characters supporting her and adding depth and history to her life. Although the mystery's solution was transparent the author has a good voice and excellent pacing, never letting the reader feel as though the plot were stagnating. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series and watching the characters, primary and secondary, grow and reveal more of their history.
September 11, 2016
3 stars because I really enjoyed the main character and learning more about how dry cleaning works but the mystery itself wasn't very compelling.
Mandy, the owner of Dyer's Cleaners, is brought a bloody suit one Monday morning by Betty the Bag Lady. The suit is then connected to the murder of a well-known lawyer the night before. Mandy gets involved in learning more, in part because she finds the detective on the case cute, and in part because Betty is then in danger since the murderer thinks she can ID him.
I figured out the mystery about 80 pages from the end -
I liked Spot a lot - hopefully he's back as well as Foster, the dreamy detective.
Mandy, the owner of Dyer's Cleaners, is brought a bloody suit one Monday morning by Betty the Bag Lady. The suit is then connected to the murder of a well-known lawyer the night before. Mandy gets involved in learning more, in part because she finds the detective on the case cute, and in part because Betty is then in danger since the murderer thinks she can ID him.
I figured out the mystery about 80 pages from the end -
I liked Spot a lot - hopefully he's back as well as Foster, the dreamy detective.
October 14, 2012
I liked it but like many first books in the series, time was spent introducing the character and the setting. I will read more in the series. The protagonist was a likeable character and a possible love interest was introduced. Her friend, Nat, might be setting up for a love triangle later. I am not sure.
March 5, 2015
Another cozy series. I enjoyed this series … the characters are fun, and funny…. the plot has a lot of twists… I really read this series and devoured it a few years ago… have to get back to see if there are new books…. I definitely recommend Mandy for fun - and excitement.. and hopefully many new books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews