Merry Mistletoe Madness

Lovely Lethal Gardens #27

by Dale Mayer

Merry Mistletoe Madness, a Christmas Novella

Can Christmas get any crazier? A new case for Mack and, lucky for Doreen, she finds a cold case connected to it, making her year end on a high note.

All the while she struggles to navigate gift giving and a special party that Nan wants to put on for her at Rosemoor—except Doreen has to solve all kinds of issues, including the missing mistletoe, which Nan insists on having for the party.

And then there are the secrets. Of course it’s Christmas, so maybe secrets are to be expected. However, when those secrets involve Nan, maybe Doreen should be worried after all.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Christmas, Audiobook

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2024

About the author

Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).

She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!

To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.

To find out more about Dale and her books, visit her at http://www.dalemayer.com. Or connect with her online with Twitter at www.twitter.com/dalemayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dalemayer.author. If you like Dale Mayer's books and are interested in joining her street team, sign up here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/40238...

Books by Dale Mayer

Psychic Vision Series
Tuesday's Child
Hide'n Go Seek
Maddy's Floor
Garden of Sorrow
Knock, Knock...
Rare Find
Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014

By Death Series
Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free
Touched by Death - Part 2
Touched by Death - Full book
Haunted by Death
Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014

Second Chances...at Love Series
Second Chances - Part 1
Second Chances - Part 2
Second Chances - Full book

Novellas
It's a Dog's Life- romantic comedy

Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy
Broken Protocols #1
Broken Protocols #2
Broken Protocols #3

New adult/adul crossover Books
In Cassie's Corner
Gem Stone (a Gemma Stone mystery)

Design Series
Dangerous Designs
Deadly Designs
Darkest Designs

Family Blood Ties Series
Vampire in Denial
Vampire in Distress
Vampire in Design
Vampire in Deceit
Vampire in Defiance

Non-Fiction Books
Career Essentials: The Resume
Career Essentials: The Cover Letter
Career Essentials: The Interview
Career Essentials: 3 in 1

Reviews

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

Can Christmas get any crazier? A new case for Mack and, lucky for Doreen, she finds a cold case connected to it, making her year end on a high note. All the while she struggles to navigate gift giving and a special party that Nan wants to put on for her at Rosemoor except Doreen has to solve all kinds of issues, including the missing mistletoe, which Nan insists on having for the party. And then there are the secrets. Of course it’s Christmas, so maybe secrets are to be expected. However, when those secrets involve Nan, maybe Doreen should be worried after all.

This was a fun Christmas story which started with missing mistletoe, which led to a case to stop Doreen from getting bored while she also struggled to navigate the more normal parts of Christmas like gifts, food and parties. I loved the mystery around the mistletoe as well as the party. Doreen has a unique way of looking at things. Easy to read, feel and understand.

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Doreen and Mac encounter an old case, a new case and Christmas preparations for an upcoming party. Beloved characters and unpredicted turns in the story keep this reader (and others) turning the pages late into the night. And Doreen's baking skills are a work in process. Bravo!.

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

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A regular Christmas for Doreen...highly unlikely with her crew of animals and Nan.
Mack is on a case and Doreen is determined to help him. I love how her mind takes her out of the box finding information no one else can.
A Christmas party is being planned at Nan's only something suspicious is going on.
Murder, solving crimes and shenanigans by the animals made this one fun tale of joy.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was so far out of my comfort zone but I have loved every page of every book.
It is almost Christmas and Doreen Montgomery isn't quite sure what to do, her wealthy, controlling ex husband didn't believe in it so Doreen, now on her own, is floundering a bit,
Doreen was also bored, she had proved her talent as an amature sleuth and had become quite well known, much to the disapproval (and admitted admiration) of her boyfriend Corporal Mack Moreau of the Kilowna PD. Long suffering Mack had forbidden Doreen from interfering in any current cases but that hadn't stopped Doreen finding a way to connect them to cold cases which she had permission to follow.
As expected, this story starts with a murder.......Oh and a disappearing load of mistletoe, Doreen managed to wheedle her way into the investigation.
In the background, Nan and her band of followers at the Rosemoor Residential Home were planning a huge Christmas party in Doreen's honour, bets were being laid but what were these mischievous oldies betting on ?
This is yet another delightful cosy mystery from Dale Mayer, Doreen getting herself into trouble, Mack trying to keep her of the straight and narrow, Nan and her little band of cohorts scheming in the background , Mugs Goliath and Thaddeus adding to the laughter and of course the slowly blossoming, gentle romance between Doreen and Mack.

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

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, hugs, forehead kisses and a special party are a few of the wonderful things in this fabulous story. I didn't put it down, I smiled and clapped my hands as I thoroughly enjoyed Mack and Doreen, right along with Nan and the animals. I have freakin loved this series as Doreen starts a new life as an adult independent for the very first time. I loved every single thing Nan did for her. Mack and his support, encouragement, gentle teaching and coaching. His hugs slowly adding an odd kiss, dates and love. I can't forget the murders and cold cases that are a big part of her finding herself and the mysteries that needed solving, of course there is one in this book as well. Wonderful twist that totally surprised me. Mugs was amazing at the right times and I completely soaked that up. Dale is an author with a wide genre of series, each showcase her craft in very different ways but all show a clever mind that loves to twist and stretch and sometimes even baffle the minds of her readers, this series has definitely been one of my favourites with the slightly lighter and fun aspects, and seeing Doreen really grow, learn to trust again, learn to live and love and find a home and family. The Best....

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would call Doreen's little mystery series a bit of a guilty pleasure I have read all 27 books even though they aren't really literary masterpieces. Some books are better than others. Doreen the first few books is delightfully naive and quirky...then about book 10 I was like okay enough. I haven't read into the author's inspiration for the book, but I'm really starting to wonder if maybe Doreen might be slightly on the spectrum? She isn't good with normal social interactions, but she has an incredible knack for putting the pieces together on all her mysteries. She is not good with change or dealing with personal situations. Relatable. But anyway...looks like we are starting on a new series of books with Doreen and the gang, so we'll see if she continues to maintain the persona or if it changes as the series goes on. Didn't particularly love this installment of the series. But it's kind of like that with these books. Some are better than the others. But it's harmless, quick read and makes a great break between some of the crazier books I've read.

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen opens another can of worms!
I love the Lethal Gardens Series series. The entire cast of characters is so enduring. I wish I lived in their small town because I’d be laughing all the time. Christmas is right around the corner and since Doreen wasn’t allowed by her ex to celebrate the holiday, she doesn’t know what's expected of her. Her ignorance is wonky to me because with TV, movies, and stores I can’t imagine she wouldn’t grasp gift-giving. BUT… It’s a story so I went with it. Doreen is a lovable lady who was mentally abused by her ex but with the attention and love from her quirky Grandma Nan and her BFF and now love interest Mack she is catching up with normal tasks. BUT… Doreen is bored…she needs another cold case to work on…and she soon finds it.
Doreen’s partners in crime are her most adorable pets, Thaddeus, a Parrett, Mugs, a dog, and Goliath, her cat.
Mack is awesome and so patient with Doreen. He loves her but she drives him crazy. She’s going to get herself hurt by solving all these crimes. Linda

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Mistletoe Madness by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Twenty-Seven
Doreen is bored. It’s been weeks since she’s had a case. She could be dealing with Mathew’s houses—her almost ex-husband who died before the divorce went through—but she doesn’t want to deal with that. Or she could be buying Christmas presents. Something she’s never done. Once again, there is so much for her to learn.
Nan suggests baking shortbread cookies as a gift for Mack, but alas, baking and cooking are skills she’s never been taught—until Mack. Doreen isn’t a quitter, though, and she works on making the perfect cookies.
On top of that, Nan has her busy making decorations for a party they are throwing for Doreen at Rosemoor! Nan and Richie seem to be up to something, too. Meanwhile, Mack does have a case, but he’s not saying anything about it.
If you want a fun, cozy mystery, this is it. Doreen and her three sidekicks. Mugs, the basset hound. Goliath, the Maine coon cat. Thaddeus, the African grey.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen is bored and wants to solve another mystery. Her detective boyfriend Mac wants to keep her away from his latest case involving a wrecked truck, a dead driver, and missing mistletoe. With Christmas coming, Doreen needs to figure out what to buy Mac. Her grandmother gives her a shortbread recipe and a connection to a cold case mystery. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. What I enjoy most about this series is the characters. Doreen has an endless curiosity about the crime in her town. She likes to dig and talks to lots of people to get to the bottom of it. Some she will charm and others she will annoys until she gets her answers. This drives her Mac crazy since he is worried that she will put herself in danger. She often does but always finds the solution to the mystery. Her pets, her grandmother and her friends, a Christmas party, and a surprise from Mac add to the story

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 27th book in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series. The story is about the lives of Doreen and Mack. Mack is a cop and Doreen is an amateur sleuth. They have an agreement; Doreen can work on cold cases while she stays out of Mack’s active cases. As the series has progressed, Mack and Doreen have worked together to solve cases as the active and cold cases seem to be entwined. This is one of those cases. This is Doreen’s first Christmas after the murder of her controlling ex, and she struggles to understand the traditions, having never celebrated Christmas before. When she attends the Christmas party that Nan planned in her honor, she can expect a few surprises. The reader can also look forward to unexpected twists. As a big fan of the series, I can assure you that this book does not disappoint.

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a shorter story with Nan and Richie planning a thank you party for Doreen. It was kind of obvious where this was going.

I suspect that Mack, Doreen, Nan and the animals story will continue as there are still unresolved issues in Doreen's life. Of course Doreen solved both her cold case and Mack's current case. What did the police department do before Doreen moved to their locality?

The whole not understanding Christmas was weird. Obviously Doreen never had friends, seen television, looked at a magazine, had no cell phone, never left the house, etc. in order for her to have absolutely no idea about how Christmas worked. We have wandered into.ridiculousness.

Yet, I am still addicted to this series. Some books have been more entertaining than others, and I will continue to indulge my obsession as long as Mack and Doreen have a story to tell, lol.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and crew are taking a break as no current cases or cold cases to work. She finds herself being pushed by Nan to help with a party to be held in Doreen honour. Mac gets a new case but does not share the details.
Doreen is trying to find her feet in the crazy season as everyone is acting strange around her and she has no idea why. Even Nan is keeping secrets. When Doreen gets bits and pieces she finds a case that she can workon but doesn't as she doesn't want to upset Mac. The day of the party comes and Doreen seems to solve a cold case which is wasn't really looking into and gets a bag Christmas surprise from Mac. When 2 world's are trying to blend together, this story is a real page turner.

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely Mistletoe madness as Nan prepares for a party to thank Doreen for all her help in solving crimes. So as the party plans go on and mystery increases, Doreen is busy trying to sneak in on Mack's newest case by connecting it to a cold case so she can help. Perfect chaos and so typical of their wonderful adventures. Between Doreen and her animals plus Nan in the retirement home, it is something you don't want to miss. Not to forget Mack and his desire to keep Doreen away from danger which is next to impossible. Bonus too as we get to see more of these special people and their antics in "Lovely Lethal Gardens Rewind". Can't wait!!.

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

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quirky mystery with Doreen and her quirky pets will have you laughing and watching how she inserts herself into Jacks new homicide case.Mack and Doreen and the pets are wrapped in a blanket sipping hot chocolate while looking at the river talking about that there isn't snow this close to Christmas .Then Mack gets a call he has a new case so they walk back to Doreen house and Mack makes sure everything is locked.As Doreen starts asking questions Mack tells her to stay our of his case.She says she's bored but Mack says stay out of my case.There are so many twists and turns to this story you will be riveted til the very last page.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could we get anymore obsessed with this series. Doreen as usual is bored after solving the last crime. She needs another to occupy her time and keep the brain functioning. Nan is acting suspicious and Mac seems to of cooled a little with Doreen. Crimes converge when a live crime soon becomes connected with a cold case and Doreen is trying to solve it much to Mack’s dismay. Although Doreen has trouble investigating why Nan is acting the way she is.

This book threw up some funny lines as well as some surprises along the way. Even more surprising was Mack seeing exactly the way Doreen works a case and how her mind works. I totally love this series and can’t wait for the final book.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love Merry Mistletoe Madness . Doreen along with her animal pals find themselves in the middle of Mac's latest case . Doreen cannot help herself . Nan and the gang at Rosemoor are busy planning a thank you/ Christmas party for Doreen . Doreen is kept busy with baking and decorating and solving the latest case . This story is a perfect Christmas cozy mystery with secrets and merriment and not to forget murder . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful Christmas Cozy Mystery. Enjoyable read as Doreen deals with boredom and trying to master Christmas. Nan is holding a Christmas party, in her honor. Mack has a new case, you guessed it, involving Mistletoe. Merry Mistletoe Madness is the kind of cozy mystery you want to read with a good cup of hot chocolate wrapped in a comfy blanket and smile as the world fades away. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #MerryMistletoeMadness #LovelyLethalGardens #DaleMayer #ValleyPublishing #Booksprout

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun adorable novella, kinda sad at the beginning because this the end of a series but there's good news at the end of this book and it makes me really really happy and super excited. I don't want to say goodbye to Doreen and her fur babies and Doreen's love life with Mack.
As for this novella, the mystery is just okay, but I'm here for Doreen's story though, for the holiday heartwarming vibes and this book totally delivered, it has the holiday vibes, it has Doreen's fur babies in action, it has heartwarming stuff with Mack and Nan and everyone.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Mistletoe Madness

Wow! Dale has done it again! I was surprised that everyone was able to keep Doreen in the dark! It just so happened to have a cold case mixed in with the new case. I didn't expect the sister to be so involved in both the cold case as well as the new case! The proposal was so exciting! FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book and series! So looking forward to your next book!

[Eve Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this charming cozy mystery read.
Doteen and Mack are working through their relationship. Although Doreen is stressing about Christmas 🎄 because her terrible ex didn't celebrate so Doreen doesn't know how to celebrate the occasion.
And of course there has got to be a murder, and cold case to solve along the way.
Laura is a great author that makes her characters relatable.
This series has been a fantastic series to follow, and I'm looking forward to starting the next one 🥰.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen doesn't quite stumble across this cold case

She pokes, prods and pushes her way into this Mistletoe Madness of a cold case...or is it a case? Mack isn't convinced, but he is also a little distracted with the best Christmas surprise and.....gingerbread - you have to have a great gingerbread at Christmas! Nan is up to her usual mischief, the pets create chaos and Doreen struggles with the concept of Christmas gifts.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I finished another book I started reading this one. I stayed up too late because I didn't want to put it down and then got up early and finished before going to work. Doreen and everyone made me laugh at different scenes. Looking forward to reading more.

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

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's better than Doreen, Mac and the gang solving crime, adding Christmas into the mix. As always you get some great laughs along with a mystery that at times has you scratching your head trying to solve it before Doreen does!.

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

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful, well-written and entertaining story in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series, Doreen is worried about Christmas and looking for a new cold case while Mac has a new case and is helping to plan a surprise for Doreen.
Good Story, I'm so glad this series continuing. I've really gotten fond of Doreen, Mac, Nan and the animals. Good Story. Wonderful series.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a page turner. We get to celebrate with everyone at the party for Doreen. She is definitely on point when it comes to solving cold cases. Mack's great as a partner for Doreen. Nan and Richie are hilarious. Definitely a surprise ending.

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

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Christmas read!
A HEA that neither Mack or Doreen are likely to forget any time soon. Doreen works a case in a different way this time around, and still finds enough time to help Nan get set up for a party. Doreen even gets time with Mack, although he's acting differently. I love reading about Doreen, Mack, and the animals. Definitely a 5 star read.

[alicia myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving lovely lethal gardens

Lovely lethal gardens was a joy to read grabbed me in on book 1 page 1 and held me til last page of book 26 . leaving me wanting more. Merry Mistletoe M address delivered. It wrapped up the stories. But I would love more adventures with Dorian and her crazy animals.

[Terry Polston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short and sweet story. Since it was Doreen's first time exchanging Christmas gifts, I wish we could have been privy to the recipient's reactions and Doreen's reaction to giving gifts.
At least one long awaited item was finalized.

[Lynne Seckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy new beginnings

Just as good as all the rest of this series. Love all of Dale Mayer's books, but this series is my favorite. Can' t wait for the next book. Waiting is hard, when you love the stories and the characters! By now they feel like old friends.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING SERIES!

I love theses stories. There is so much comedy in these stories along with suspense. There is animals really make these stories a hoot😂 Their love for Doreen is unmatched.