Undone in the Underbrush

Lovely Lethal Gardens Rewind #6

by Dale Mayer

Doreen and Mack and their animal entourage are home from their crazy trip to Vancouver—yet not long enough for boredom to set in. A new murder case appears, clearly defined as Mack’s, not hers. Until …

The latest victim is connected to a little old lady living in Rosemoor, who has a lot of connections that she’s more than willing to yank on to get the best detective not on the force to work this case.

Under these circumstances, Doreen steps up to help Mack—together with her loyal menagerie of animals—and digs deep into the mystery surrounding this latest murder. Her investigation involves unraveling local criminals, a shadowy crime boss, unexpected twists and turns, even one no one saw coming …

Genres: Cozy Mystery

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've stayed with this series because I enjoyed the entire A–Z series and have continued into the Rewind books. I'm invested in the characters and enjoy seeing how the series continues.

This time, Doreen worked alongside Mack on a current investigation instead of focusing on one of her cold cases. I liked that change of pace, especially since some names from the current case had been mentioned in Doreen's cold case files.

My biggest issue was Doreen's behavior. In previous books, her actions usually came across as strong independence. Here, it often felt more like arrogance. She frequently acted as though she knew better than the police, despite insisting she wasn't seeking notoriety, didn't want to work for law enforcement, and preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Doreen's actions often contradicted those claims as she repeatedly inserted herself into situations where she had been asked not to.

One moment that stood out was when Mack specifically told her to stay out of Birdie's hospital room until he arrived. Instead of respecting that request, she ignored it and went in anyway. Moments like that made it harder for me to connect with her.

I also noticed that Mack was constantly reminding Doreen to be careful and watch out for herself. I honestly can't remember Doreen showing him the same concern, even though he's the one with the consistently dangerous job. It isn't a major issue, but it's something that stood out to me while reading.

I enjoy when Doreen uncovers clues that help the investigation, but in this book it felt like she was directing the case from beginning to end while the police mostly followed her lead. I know Doreen is the main character, but I would have enjoyed seeing Mack lead the investigation more with Doreen contributing rather than directing the case.

Despite my frustrations, I still enjoyed the mystery enough to keep reading this series. This wasn't one of my favorite installments, but I'm interested to see where the next book takes these characters.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this tongue in cheek cosy mystery series, long may they continue.
When Doreen Montgomery came to live in the house at Kelowna, given to her by her beloved Nan, she had no domestic skills, she had lived in a gilded cage before her controlling ex husband cheated on her, she did however have a nose for solving crimes and had gained quite a reputation, it was due to this reputation that an elderly resident at Rosemore Care Home, requested that Doreen be included in the investigation into the death of her grandson.
Doreen had helped the Kelowna police, and her fiance corporal Mack Moreau, with cold cases in the past, but this wasn't a cold case and naturally the regular police force were upset, did the public now believe that they couldn't do their job without Doreen's help ?
This was all a bit embarrassing for Doreen but in her own inimitable way, she set about digging.
For the first time, Doreen and long suffering Mack work together on a case, they work well, even though Mack tries to reign her in at times.
Helping Doreen are her Nan and the zany residents of the care home who have called themselves "Doreen's Deputies", their lives had certainly become more exciting since Doreen came to Kelowna.
This is a lovely story with wonderful. slightly wacky characters, not forgetting Doreen's constant companions, Mugs the Bassett Hound, Goliath the cat and quirky Thaddaeus the talking parrot........pure escapism with just the right amount of angst and wit.

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

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

Doreen and Mack barely make it home from Vancouver before a new murder case pulls them back in. It’s supposed to be Mack’s case alone, but when the victim is linked to a determined Rosemoor grandmother who insists on Doreen’s involvement, she jumps in with her loyal animal crew. Together, they uncover local criminals, a hidden crime boss, and twists no one expects — including one that shocks everyone.

This mystery stands out because the case isn’t one of Doreen’s usual historic puzzles — it’s current, dangerous, and far more tangled than expected. I loved how well Doreen and Mack worked together here, openly sharing information and functioning as a real team. The web of connections leading to more dangerous people gave the story a slightly different tone, but in a way that kept things fresh and engaging. Of course, Doreen’s loyal animal crew is right there beside her, offering support, chaos, and charm in all the best ways. It’s an enjoyable mystery that lets you solve the clues right alongside Doreen, making the whole experience easy to follow, fun to feel, and very satisfying.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Undone in the Underbrush . I absolutely love Doreen and her animal family . Not to forget Nan and Mack the characters are wonderfully unique and definitely quirky . Doreen and her crew are back at solving crimes and find herself in danger . This time it involves a Rosemoor resident . This story is sensational full of suspense and intrigue such a fantastic Cozy Mystery. I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the balance between suspense, Doreens' life and the twist I know will come but am always surprised when it does. Doreen is asked, forced via pressure on the mayor and captain to assist looking into a death. Then it's no holds barred as we follow Doreen, Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus on this adventure. Enjoying this cozy mystery rewind. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #UndoneintheUnderbrush #LovelyLethalGaedensRewund #DaleMayer #Publishing #Brooksprour.

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

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart]

Doreen and her crew have returned back home to hopefully a quieter life...ha.
A murder already has Mack on the case and of course Doreen somehow becomes involved.
There were so many layers to this crime, I really enjoyed 'watching' them unravel.
The nursing home resident related to the victim demands Doreen investigate. I'm constantly amazed at her mind and the information people tell her, what a character! Not to forget her darling pets who always are involved and save the day.
I'm really enjoying this rewind and hope this series never ends.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like when one of Mack's cases ends up having Doreen involved as not only do they get to work together, but it shows Mack how good she along with her cohorts really are.
Having a case that's happening in real time is a break away from Doreen's normal cold cases and comes with plenty of danger to keep her and Mack from finding answers. It's always fun trying to work out the bad guy in these books as you get some great hints as well as red herrings.

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is #6 in a follow up series and remains a favorite! With Doreen and her antics, her fiance Mack and his patience, Doreen's loyal animals and her grandmother Nan, this tale captures my attention every time and never ceases to entertain me. This time one of Nan's friends wants Doreen on this case and is willing to pull strings to get her there. So Doreen is at it again, stirring up trouble as she uses her talent in unofficial detective work. Great book!.

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

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting, intriguing with a ton of action and wit. Doreen and Mack along with the animals are an unstoppable force. Absolutely loved it, my favourite couple in tandom. Solving a myriad of issues that took me a while to figure out, what a whammy that finale was. Plus no break as it's straight into the next mystery. These stories are so good, I can't put them down but then I'm sad coz I've got to wait patiently for the next one. Doreen, Mack and co forever

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All new meaning to "be careful for what you ask for". An old lady asks for Doreen's help to solve the death of a family. Multiple permissions follow. By default, Mack and Doreen are working together and it is so fun to see them in action together. Partners. Love this series and Team Doreen. :).

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

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, we are back to work a case with Doreen, Mack, The Menagerie, Nan and the various array of delightfully charming town residents. The story is engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed the smartly crafted combination of mystery, suspense, danger, humor, heart, cleverness, twists and of course a lot of high-intensity charm. As always just plain wonderful.

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Rewind series. Doreen, Mack, and the menageries are working together. Mack's boss is pressured into enlisting Doreen's help solve a case. The story has twists and turns to keep you on your toes. A complicated case with multiple suspects. A great read!.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series makes me laugh with all the characters, 2 legged and 4. This one had a big twist in the middle that I did not expect. Lots of suspense and trying to figure out what happened. I thought I had it figured out and bam. The ending got me again.

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

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is fantastic as usual. She and Mack are great personally and investigating. This is a must read. I recommended this to everyone. The characters are like family and true to life.

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

[Lisa Seely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my favorite series. All the characters are just great, especially the animals. I look forward to each book in this "cozy mystery" saga

[Paws & Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! It was so good!