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Mandy Dyer #5
Homicide and Old Lace
When a young bride visits Dyer's Cleaners asking for delicate alterations on a vintage wedding dress, owner Mandy Dyer quickly discovers a disturbing The groom is Mandy's own womanizing ex-husband...and Mandy's troubles are just beginning. The dress alterations will turn out beautifully, but the bride will turn up--dead. Now Mandy must hunt for a killer and face the indelible stains that both hate and passion leave behind....
276 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published September 12, 2000
1 person is currently reading
87 people want to read
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 17, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧
3.75🌟
Book 5 in the series, yet new to me and I didn’t feel like I was lost in the way some series don’t work as a standalone, there were plenty of look back moments, and I’d quite like to catch some more of the series.
A really cozy mystery, Mandy was giving me Jessica Fletcher energy. When she’s just minding her business running her dry cleaners she takes on the cleaning and alteration of a wedding dress, not for just any old bride though, this is the bride to be of Mandy’s ex husband 🫣 a bride that winds up murdered on her wedding day, the weapon? The scissors that Mandy has just been using.
Super sleuth Mandy is hot on the case to find the killer and clear her own name. Brilliant side characters. Great fun.
I really liked the narration on this title, the narrator made each character easily distinguishable and brought them all to life.
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
3.75🌟
Book 5 in the series, yet new to me and I didn’t feel like I was lost in the way some series don’t work as a standalone, there were plenty of look back moments, and I’d quite like to catch some more of the series.
A really cozy mystery, Mandy was giving me Jessica Fletcher energy. When she’s just minding her business running her dry cleaners she takes on the cleaning and alteration of a wedding dress, not for just any old bride though, this is the bride to be of Mandy’s ex husband 🫣 a bride that winds up murdered on her wedding day, the weapon? The scissors that Mandy has just been using.
Super sleuth Mandy is hot on the case to find the killer and clear her own name. Brilliant side characters. Great fun.
I really liked the narration on this title, the narrator made each character easily distinguishable and brought them all to life.
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
June 24, 2025
Very cute cozy mystery. I enjoyed that even though I had not read any of the other books in the series I was able to jump right in like it was the first book! Trouble sure does find Mandy, and this book was no different!
June 12, 2025
Homicide and Old Lace by Delores Johnson is a cozy mystery originally released in 2000. A new edition and audiobook release is coming out this month! I received an ARC of the audiobook to review. To begin with, I liked the protagonist Mandy, the owner of a dry cleaning shop, who has a propensity to involve herself in murder investigations. Mandy is taken aback when her ex-husband's new bride comes to her shop for help with her wedding dress. Her stress level quickly escalates when the big wedding day ends in murder, rather than marriage with Mandy at the scene of the crime.
If you like to watch Murder She Wrote, or other cozy mystery series you won't go wrong with this one. This book is the fifth in the series, but I was able to jump in without a lot of confusion. Emily Ellet's narration helped distinguish each character and was well paced.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for allowing me to have an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
If you like to watch Murder She Wrote, or other cozy mystery series you won't go wrong with this one. This book is the fifth in the series, but I was able to jump in without a lot of confusion. Emily Ellet's narration helped distinguish each character and was well paced.
Thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for allowing me to have an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
June 25, 2025
Cute and cozy mystery, although in the middle of a series I didn’t need to read them in the order to know what was going on. So I would consider it a stand alone. Was very fun to listen to
October 28, 2019
It's almost a set-up for a joke - "A girl with a wedding dress walks into a dry cleaner's one day..." But things aren't funny for her when the girl ends up getting killed on her wedding day.
Betty was up to no good snooping around Aspen and Larry's other ex-wife with Cecilia, Mandy's mom, but their hijinks were kind of funny, especially all the ways the book talks about them, calling them "mismatched meddlers", "menopausal maniacs" etc.
Betty was up to no good snooping around Aspen and Larry's other ex-wife with Cecilia, Mandy's mom, but their hijinks were kind of funny, especially all the ways the book talks about them, calling them "mismatched meddlers", "menopausal maniacs" etc.
June 18, 2025
Mandy Dyer is just out here trying to run a respectable dry cleaning business. Press a few pants, steam some wedding dresses, maybe avoid ex-husband drama like any sane person. Instead, she gets booked for what can only be described as the world’s most cursed wedding gig. And by cursed, I mean she ends up hand-delivering a bridal gown to her ex-husband’s new fiancée… and then finds the bride dead minutes later. Stabbed. With her scissors. Which she had literally just been using.
Welcome back to cozy mystery land where somehow, even running a dry cleaner turns you into a full-time murder magnet.
This is book five in the Mandy Dyer series, but let me tell you something: I jumped in cold and was instantly fine. The vibes are classic Murder, She Wrote meets small business owner with a knack for finding corpses. Mandy isn’t a trained investigator, but she’s got common sense, nosy relatives, and the survival instinct of a woman who's been dragged into far too many murder scenes for someone who just wanted to alter some hems.
Her mom and Betty (former bag lady turned full-time meddler) absolutely steal the show. The way these two cause absolute chaos with their amateur investigation attempts had me howling. I love an unhinged mom-friend duo who think they are solving crimes but are mostly adding new problems. Their hijinks basically scream "we’ve watched too many true crime documentaries and now think we’re qualified." Are they helpful? Questionable. Are they hilarious? Absolutely.
Of course, no cozy mystery is complete without red herrings, break-ins, suspicious side characters, and a cat who's constantly spooked by everything. There’s a bit of everything here: another murder victim, multiple suspects, ex-husband drama, scared cats, missing boyfriends, and a mom who cannot mind their own business for five seconds. It’s messy in the way that only cozy mysteries can pull off.
The mystery itself? Actually solid. Even though I clocked the killer early on, there were enough side plots and misdirection to keep things moving. And as always with cozies, the joy is in the ride, not just the big reveal. Mandy puts it all together nicely in the end, using her dry cleaner brain to solve crimes better than half the police department.
The pacing dips in a few spots, but nothing that derails the fun. Honestly, I was charmed the entire time. The vibe is pure comfort chaos, which is exactly why I’m now fully committed to going back and starting from book one.
And huge shoutout to Emily Ellet for the narration. She nails every voice, makes the chaos feel grounded, and brings these quirky characters completely to life. She IS Mandy Dyer.
Four stars for murder, meddling moms, dry cleaning crimes, and a cozy mystery that does exactly what you want it to. I’m absolutely in for the rest of this series.
Whodunity Award: For Turning "Till Death Do Us Part" Into A Wedding Day Deadline
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for early access to the audiobook. Emily Ellet’s narration made this cozy mystery even more fun to listen to!
Welcome back to cozy mystery land where somehow, even running a dry cleaner turns you into a full-time murder magnet.
This is book five in the Mandy Dyer series, but let me tell you something: I jumped in cold and was instantly fine. The vibes are classic Murder, She Wrote meets small business owner with a knack for finding corpses. Mandy isn’t a trained investigator, but she’s got common sense, nosy relatives, and the survival instinct of a woman who's been dragged into far too many murder scenes for someone who just wanted to alter some hems.
Her mom and Betty (former bag lady turned full-time meddler) absolutely steal the show. The way these two cause absolute chaos with their amateur investigation attempts had me howling. I love an unhinged mom-friend duo who think they are solving crimes but are mostly adding new problems. Their hijinks basically scream "we’ve watched too many true crime documentaries and now think we’re qualified." Are they helpful? Questionable. Are they hilarious? Absolutely.
Of course, no cozy mystery is complete without red herrings, break-ins, suspicious side characters, and a cat who's constantly spooked by everything. There’s a bit of everything here: another murder victim, multiple suspects, ex-husband drama, scared cats, missing boyfriends, and a mom who cannot mind their own business for five seconds. It’s messy in the way that only cozy mysteries can pull off.
The mystery itself? Actually solid. Even though I clocked the killer early on, there were enough side plots and misdirection to keep things moving. And as always with cozies, the joy is in the ride, not just the big reveal. Mandy puts it all together nicely in the end, using her dry cleaner brain to solve crimes better than half the police department.
The pacing dips in a few spots, but nothing that derails the fun. Honestly, I was charmed the entire time. The vibe is pure comfort chaos, which is exactly why I’m now fully committed to going back and starting from book one.
And huge shoutout to Emily Ellet for the narration. She nails every voice, makes the chaos feel grounded, and brings these quirky characters completely to life. She IS Mandy Dyer.
Four stars for murder, meddling moms, dry cleaning crimes, and a cozy mystery that does exactly what you want it to. I’m absolutely in for the rest of this series.
Whodunity Award: For Turning "Till Death Do Us Part" Into A Wedding Day Deadline
Huge thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for early access to the audiobook. Emily Ellet’s narration made this cozy mystery even more fun to listen to!
June 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book. This is book five in this unusual series which I am just loving. who knew cleaning clothes could be so compelling, well not actually cleaning clothes because Mandy is too busy investigating a murder to clean clothes but you know what I mean. The author continues to come up with unusual and unique ways to get Mandy involved. I really like the characters, in this book Mandy's mother and ex bag lady Betty team up to run there own investigation, with mixed and as a consequence some funny results. Not sure if they are a help but together they certainly are entertaining. The mystery was good and I had no idea who was the murder but Mandy put it together nicely. There was a lot going on, with two deaths, a number of break ins, scared cats, missing boy friends, ex relationship drama and meddling relatives but put although and you have a clean cosy mystery that is delightful. I can't wait for the next book.
When Mandy steps in for a sick employee, she has no idea that she would be altering a dress for her ex husbands new fiancee. Unable to get out of delivering the dress on the big day, Mandy just hopes she can get in and out before too many people recognise her as the ex of the groom. Unfortunately that plan goes out the window when the bride is found dead, stabbed with scissors Mandy had moments ago used. Once her mother learns of the death, she drops event thing and comes to her daughters aid by teaming up with one of Mandy's staff. Can they find the proof? Mandy may but have to do damage control herself and find the killer before the dynamic duo or even herself gets arrested.
I like the narrator. I hope she sticks with the series because she does such a good job of bringing the characters to life, that I can't imagine anybody else doing a better job.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When Mandy steps in for a sick employee, she has no idea that she would be altering a dress for her ex husbands new fiancee. Unable to get out of delivering the dress on the big day, Mandy just hopes she can get in and out before too many people recognise her as the ex of the groom. Unfortunately that plan goes out the window when the bride is found dead, stabbed with scissors Mandy had moments ago used. Once her mother learns of the death, she drops event thing and comes to her daughters aid by teaming up with one of Mandy's staff. Can they find the proof? Mandy may but have to do damage control herself and find the killer before the dynamic duo or even herself gets arrested.
I like the narrator. I hope she sticks with the series because she does such a good job of bringing the characters to life, that I can't imagine anybody else doing a better job.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
June 19, 2025
This was enjoyable to listen to! When I first started, I did not know this was not the first book in the series but luckily it does well as a standalone with only a few mentions of previous murders that Mandy solved, just enough that I am intrigued to see exactly what happened now that I know Mandy does a good job solving these cases, though has quite the unfortunate penchant for stumbling over corpses and being a suspect of those murders before finding the real culprit just in the nick of time.
This time it is the Olivia, the fiancé of her ex husband Larry (who is a real piece of work and I am glad Mandy divorced him!). You have several suspects, plus a few well meaning busybodies, like Mandy's mother snooping in corners to also help solve the case, and a police detective (Stan) a sometimes date with Mandy but also looking to find the murderer. And yes, there are a couple dead bodies, but there is humor (like being held up by Bic lighter!) and helpful and interesting side characters (like Betty, the former bag lady) helping Mandy, with sometimes wayward effects but also just what she needs to solve it before she goes from suspect to victim herself! I would give too much away as there are some good red herrings and twists to enjoy. Though of course Mandy will have her happy ending, at least until she stumble over the next murder victim! Makes me wonder if she should open a detective agency in her dry cleaners store.
The narrator does a wonderful job in bring Mandy to life and I had a lot of fun listening to this audiobook!
This time it is the Olivia, the fiancé of her ex husband Larry (who is a real piece of work and I am glad Mandy divorced him!). You have several suspects, plus a few well meaning busybodies, like Mandy's mother snooping in corners to also help solve the case, and a police detective (Stan) a sometimes date with Mandy but also looking to find the murderer. And yes, there are a couple dead bodies, but there is humor (like being held up by Bic lighter!) and helpful and interesting side characters (like Betty, the former bag lady) helping Mandy, with sometimes wayward effects but also just what she needs to solve it before she goes from suspect to victim herself! I would give too much away as there are some good red herrings and twists to enjoy. Though of course Mandy will have her happy ending, at least until she stumble over the next murder victim! Makes me wonder if she should open a detective agency in her dry cleaners store.
The narrator does a wonderful job in bring Mandy to life and I had a lot of fun listening to this audiobook!
June 20, 2025
I didn't realize this was the 5th in the series when I picked it up, but it worked well as a stand-alone. Mandy, the owner of a dry cleaning shop, apparently has a habit of getting involved in murders. This time she has agreed to clean and alter her ex-husband's new bride's wedding dress. But when she delvers it to the hotel on the day of the wedding, she ends up a suspect in the bride's murder. Being the amateur sleuth that she is, she decides she has to get to the bottom of it, even if her boyfriend, Detective Stan Foster, wants her to stay far away.
We've got plenty of suspects, clues, and red herrings. The people surrounding Mandy are appropriately quirky, especially her mom and her employee, Betty, who get in all kind of trouble. I did get annoyed at how often Betty was described as a former bag lady and not listened to. Like, yes, I get it, she used to be a bag lady, but she seemed pretty loyal to Mandy and eager to help. Mandy seems to think she herself is the only capable, intelligent person
The whodunnit wasn't surprising, but there was enough misdirection to keep things interesting. Mandy, of course, puts it all together in the end. And the book even leaves us with a clothes cleaning tip.
I listened to the audio and the narrator did a good job. She made each character distinct and made the chaos believable.
We've got plenty of suspects, clues, and red herrings. The people surrounding Mandy are appropriately quirky, especially her mom and her employee, Betty, who get in all kind of trouble. I did get annoyed at how often Betty was described as a former bag lady and not listened to. Like, yes, I get it, she used to be a bag lady, but she seemed pretty loyal to Mandy and eager to help. Mandy seems to think she herself is the only capable, intelligent person
The whodunnit wasn't surprising, but there was enough misdirection to keep things interesting. Mandy, of course, puts it all together in the end. And the book even leaves us with a clothes cleaning tip.
I listened to the audio and the narrator did a good job. She made each character distinct and made the chaos believable.
January 12, 2026
OMG! A young woman comes to the dry cleaner for a fitting and gown refresh but does not mention the groom. It is only when the first fitting is halfway through does she mention the groom is Mandy's ex-husband! Apparently she and the second ex were invited as snubs and before Mandy can finish with the bride - getting her into the dress and veil - she finds the bride dead with the scissors she was just using! And who should be standing over the body - her ex! Through it all Stan was evasive and when Mandy was "Car napped" he would not let her do more than file a report until he was good and ready - to the point where he dumped her in a restaurant where she splurged! She could not pay, and he was not back, so she bawls over the waitress who claimed "Men are scum!" even as he is walking to the table to pay the bill. She only discovers the truth after the second murder and evidence winds up at her place! Furthermore, she then dumps Stan after determining that he is untrustworthy and that she did not need him!
June 14, 2025
Dolores Johnson crafts a charming and suspenseful cozy mystery in Homicide and Old Lace, a story that effortlessly blends intrigue with a touch of humor and heart. Reminiscent of a classic Hallmark mystery, the novel follows Mandy, a relatable and quick-witted protagonist who finds herself at the center of a murder investigation. When her ex-husband’s new fiancée turns up dead, Mandy becomes the prime suspect—and must race against time to clear her name and unmask the real killer before she becomes the next target.
Johnson does an excellent job of balancing tension with warmth, populating the story with a delightful cast of supporting characters who add both depth and charm. The small-town atmosphere and steady pacing make for an engaging read that cozy mystery fans will thoroughly enjoy. Homicide and Old Lace is a well-written, entertaining whodunit with series potential—and readers will undoubtedly be eager to spend more time in Mandy’s world.
Johnson does an excellent job of balancing tension with warmth, populating the story with a delightful cast of supporting characters who add both depth and charm. The small-town atmosphere and steady pacing make for an engaging read that cozy mystery fans will thoroughly enjoy. Homicide and Old Lace is a well-written, entertaining whodunit with series potential—and readers will undoubtedly be eager to spend more time in Mandy’s world.
June 24, 2025
Homicide and Old Lace by Dolores Johnson is a lighthearted cozy mystery with an intriguing premise and charming setting, but it didn’t fully land for me. I listened to the audiobook version, which added some warmth to the story thanks to a capable narrator who captured the quirky tone well.
The plot centers around a tailor-turned-sleuth who finds herself tangled in a local murder. While I appreciated the unique backdrop and some of the humor sprinkled throughout, the pacing felt a bit uneven, and the mystery itself lacked the tension and depth I look for in a thriller.
It’s a gentle read with a sprinkle of suspense, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy character-driven stories and a touch of small-town charm. Just don’t go in expecting a high-stakes thriller or complex investigation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
The plot centers around a tailor-turned-sleuth who finds herself tangled in a local murder. While I appreciated the unique backdrop and some of the humor sprinkled throughout, the pacing felt a bit uneven, and the mystery itself lacked the tension and depth I look for in a thriller.
It’s a gentle read with a sprinkle of suspense, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy character-driven stories and a touch of small-town charm. Just don’t go in expecting a high-stakes thriller or complex investigation.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 11, 2025
Homicide and Old Lace is part of a cozy mystery series following Mandy, a dry cleaner turned amateur sleuth, as she gets herself inadvertently involved in solving murder cases. In this book, Mandy delivers a wedding dress to her ex’s new fiancée on their wedding day. And minutes later, the bride to be is found murdered in her hotel room. This kicks off the usual cozy mystery shenanigans, complete with red herrings, a plethora of suspects, and a grumpy cat.
If you like cozy mysteries, this one is a solid pick. I didn’t realize this wasn’t the first book in the series, but I didn’t feel like I missed a ton. There was some backstory I didn’t have, but it was easy to pick up on character relationships and there were no spoilers for past mysteries as far as I could tell. This read does make me want to check out the rest of the series!
If you like cozy mysteries, this one is a solid pick. I didn’t realize this wasn’t the first book in the series, but I didn’t feel like I missed a ton. There was some backstory I didn’t have, but it was easy to pick up on character relationships and there were no spoilers for past mysteries as far as I could tell. This read does make me want to check out the rest of the series!
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June 28, 2025Mindy Dyers runs a laundry business and they also do alterations. So when a bride comes to her with her grandmother's wedding dress she doesnt guess that the bride is going to marry her ex-husband. On top of that, when Mindy goes to deliver the dress the bride dies so now Mindy is one of the main suspects as there is a clear motive according to the cops.
I love reading cozy mysteries because there is always a balance of fun and wholesome characters and there are crazy culprits. This book was equally good with a news reporter best friend, a detective boyfriend, a fatherly figure who is caring and an employee who is going to lengths to find proof.
The mystery was kind of easy but it was creepy at the same time and I was worried for Mindy. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I am excited for the next book.
I love reading cozy mysteries because there is always a balance of fun and wholesome characters and there are crazy culprits. This book was equally good with a news reporter best friend, a detective boyfriend, a fatherly figure who is caring and an employee who is going to lengths to find proof.
The mystery was kind of easy but it was creepy at the same time and I was worried for Mindy. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I am excited for the next book.
January 22, 2022
Mandy has a young bride come into the dry cleaning business to alter a wedding dress for her wedding. Normally Mandy doesn't do it but her employee who does, was out that day. As she starts the alterations, Olivia tells her who her husband to be is. Mandy nearly swallows her pins to find it's her own ex-husband Larry! Since she's already started the job, she doesn't want to tell Olivia who she is. Mandy has to deliver the dress to the bride but when she's found dead, Mandy is a prime suspect.
This is a fun series and takes place in Denver, CO which makes it even more fun to read. I love her colorful characters and how she gets her clues.
This is a fun series and takes place in Denver, CO which makes it even more fun to read. I love her colorful characters and how she gets her clues.
July 30, 2025
Homicide and Old Lace
By Dolores Johnson
Narrated by Emily Ellet
I am obsessed with the whole Mandy Dyer mysteries series! Mandy always somehow gets herself caught up in the middle of an investigation. This one was a wild ride as a bride brings a dress to Mandy to clean not knowing that her future husband is Mandys ex husband. I love that this whole series is a fun murder mystery series. It’s not extremely violent or gory. It’s a cozy fun mystery that keeps you on your toes!
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. All words are my own.
By Dolores Johnson
Narrated by Emily Ellet
I am obsessed with the whole Mandy Dyer mysteries series! Mandy always somehow gets herself caught up in the middle of an investigation. This one was a wild ride as a bride brings a dress to Mandy to clean not knowing that her future husband is Mandys ex husband. I love that this whole series is a fun murder mystery series. It’s not extremely violent or gory. It’s a cozy fun mystery that keeps you on your toes!
Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in exchange for my honest review. All words are my own.
June 17, 2025
I normally don’t read books out of order, but I didn’t realize this book was part of a series. It worked well as a standalone book if you haven’t read the rest of the series.
Mandy is sharp and energized. I loved the cast of characters in this book from Mandy’s dramatic mother, her surly coworker, her obnoxious ex, among others. There were lots of little breadcrumbs and a few red herrings to keep things interesting. Overall a fun and quick read. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ALC.
Mandy is sharp and energized. I loved the cast of characters in this book from Mandy’s dramatic mother, her surly coworker, her obnoxious ex, among others. There were lots of little breadcrumbs and a few red herrings to keep things interesting. Overall a fun and quick read. The narrator did a great job bringing the story to life.
Thank you to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ALC.
June 11, 2025
Mandy is asked to clean and alter a bridal gown. All normal in her job until she realises her ex husband will be the groom. Dress delivered but she forgot the veil so returns with it to find the bride to be murdered. Mandy becomes a suspect.
Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Great and often quirky characters in this well paced cozy murder mystery. Mandy needs her sleuthing skills to prove her innocence and identify the real killer. A fun ride, enjoy.
Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Great and often quirky characters in this well paced cozy murder mystery. Mandy needs her sleuthing skills to prove her innocence and identify the real killer. A fun ride, enjoy.
October 11, 2025
Sometimes I feel guilty about how much I enjoy books like this. The plot was simple, even though I didn't guess the killer, and the characters were sometimes over-the-top, in a humorous way, especially the mother.
Mandy Dyer runs a cleaners, and ends up with her ex's new bride-to-be's dress. This was interesting enough, but the people were fun and sympathetic while it was still believable enough. This is a very fun cozy and the narrator has the perfect voice.
Mandy Dyer runs a cleaners, and ends up with her ex's new bride-to-be's dress. This was interesting enough, but the people were fun and sympathetic while it was still believable enough. This is a very fun cozy and the narrator has the perfect voice.
September 29, 2025
A fun cosy mystery with a clever premise, but I found the plot a bit predictable and the pacing uneven. Mandy remains a charming protagonist, but the story didn’t fully grab me. Decent for fans of the series, 3 stars.
April 21, 2020
It was ok. Not a series that I would rush out to read
April 19, 2022
This was another fun read. Larry the rotten ex-husband was back in this story!!!
July 13, 2024
Cece was better in this book. Not AS crazy and horrible as usual.
I hate Stan. Mandy should have dumped him after the German restaurant incident.
I hate Stan. Mandy should have dumped him after the German restaurant incident.
June 18, 2025
It’s giving Murder She Wrote
September 9, 2012
I enjoyed this book. A few times I hit some dry spots but it was still good. Mandy always seems to get drug into investigations. Always seems to be the one finding dead bodies. A few times been in life threatening situations. In this installment she takes on a new customer. The bride to be of her ex-husband. She didn't realize it until the first fitting. If she had declined further contact and business she wouldn't have been in the predicament she was in. But since that didn't happen....
Mandy was stuck having to deliver the wedding dress herself on the day of Olivia and Larry (Mandy's ex - husband) weding. After delivering the dress Mandy's ready to get out of there. Instead she gets talked into staying longer to help the bride into her dress and to make adjustments by the bride and her mother. Once done Mandy makes a bee line for the delivery truck. Once there she discovers she forgot to take the veil up on the first trip. So back up she goes. Once there she discovers Olivia's body and Larry. After preliminaries she's able to leave. Once safely back in the truck...so she thinks... she hears rustling and then a voice. Mandy gets kidnapped by gunpoint...so she assumes. Once she drives the kidnapper gets dropped off at his destination he let's her in on a secret which embarrasses Mandy.
Mandy once again gets sucked in into investigating due to crazy antics by her mother, Cecilia and Betty the bag lady. Not to mention Mandy's curiosity gets the better of her too. Mandy's apartment gets broken into twice but nothing is ever stolen. The police blow it off. At some point Mandy gets a letter too like the others. Mandy eventually figures out who the murderer is and into a predicament with the killer.
Early on I figured out who the killer was. The book had a few dry spots. Although it has been a delightful series so far. Sorry to hear that this author passed a few years ago.
Mandy was stuck having to deliver the wedding dress herself on the day of Olivia and Larry (Mandy's ex - husband) weding. After delivering the dress Mandy's ready to get out of there. Instead she gets talked into staying longer to help the bride into her dress and to make adjustments by the bride and her mother. Once done Mandy makes a bee line for the delivery truck. Once there she discovers she forgot to take the veil up on the first trip. So back up she goes. Once there she discovers Olivia's body and Larry. After preliminaries she's able to leave. Once safely back in the truck...so she thinks... she hears rustling and then a voice. Mandy gets kidnapped by gunpoint...so she assumes. Once she drives the kidnapper gets dropped off at his destination he let's her in on a secret which embarrasses Mandy.
Mandy once again gets sucked in into investigating due to crazy antics by her mother, Cecilia and Betty the bag lady. Not to mention Mandy's curiosity gets the better of her too. Mandy's apartment gets broken into twice but nothing is ever stolen. The police blow it off. At some point Mandy gets a letter too like the others. Mandy eventually figures out who the murderer is and into a predicament with the killer.
Early on I figured out who the killer was. The book had a few dry spots. Although it has been a delightful series so far. Sorry to hear that this author passed a few years ago.
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.
May 6, 2014
Another fun cozy featuring Mandy Dyer. In this one, a young lady brings her family heirloom wedding gown to the dry cleaners. Then Mandy discovers the lady is to be bride to her very own ex-husband. A fun tale ensues with some nice twists. I didn't enjoy some of the relationship talk with her ex and the journalist just got a bit irritating but it was still generally a fun book.
April 10, 2011
would have given this book a 2.5 star rating. i thought that it didnt have alot of action. was kinda dry in spots. really didnt hold my attention all that well.
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July 28, 2011Mandy should not have taken on the task of altering the wedding dress for her ex-husband's third bride. It all went downhill from there.
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