Dagger in the Dahlias

Lovely Lethal Gardens #4

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags. … Chaos quiets. … Crime is circling. … And cold cases never cease …

After almost a month in picturesque Kelowna, Doreen Montgomery still can’t keep her notoriety to a minimum or her nose out of other people’s business. Now those suffering from the loss of a loved one seek her out, wanting her help. While the last thing Doreen wants is to have the media discover she’s involved in another cold case, she is already hooked on the details …

But even more is going on. News has gotten out that Nan’s old house is brimming over with valuable antiques, antiques Nan collected and left for Doreen, and the seedier elements of their lovely town are circling like vultures. With her animals in full assistant mode, Doreen must investigate the cold case, right the wrongs of the past, and keep her home safe, all while evading the media—and Corporal Mack Moreau.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Animals, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2019

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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book of Lovely Lethal series Doreen is looking into a cold case where a young man disappeared twenty-nine years ago. Her Grandmother Nan's furniture proves to be original and worth a lot of money. The criminals of the area are spelling money and begin to bother Doreen. Mack is teaching Doreen to cook. Doreen animals add much to the book and come to her aid at times. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.

[Niken Widyastuti · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with other cosy mysteries, quite some quirky and funny moments were happening throughout the book. The mystery was real, yet the feeling was relax. Unlike hard core suspense/thriller/mystery books, which we spend most of our time reading at the edge of our seat, cosy mysteries could be read while lounging and sipping your coffee.

In this fourth book, Doreen had grown up quite some. The impression of air-head ex-trophy-wife fading gradually and I so much preferred the improve version. And this definitely add more joyfulness to my reading experience. In this book, she came to a cold case that she could not just ignore. Despite obstacles she had to face, she kept going. One of her best traits, tenacity, showed up loud and clear here.

I was provided a complementary copy by the author / publisher through Booksprout, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful addition to this new series. Doreen is living a whole new life since she left her husband and moved into her grandmother's home where she finds a coon cat and a talking parrot. Along with her dog these animals are hilarious while at the same time help Doreen solve several cold case mysteries. All the characters in this story are interesting and believable. I feel as if I know them personally.

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

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am hooked on this series. Doreen's help is requested on a missing person cold case. While she has someone breaking into her home trying to steal her antiques. You have to love her dog, cat, and parrot trio. I also enjoy her bafflement at cooking.

[Lisbeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

No continuaré con la serie.

[Alisha Carderella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[itskaileysworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting better and better each book of this series as I go on.

Shipping Mack and Doreen ❤️

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

mystery is just around the corner...

After a prolonged time of being subjected to her ex-husbands control… this lady is growing her wings and learning to fly. Life is starting to settle down. She is growing in her confidence and strength. Yet… mystery continues to find and intrigue her curious mind. This time mystery arrives in the form of a mysterious letter, a missing person, an unsolved disappearance, with loads of twists and turns to keep you guessing to the conclusion of Daggers In the Dahlia’s - Lovely Lethal Gardens Bk 4.

Oh boy does she find more than she could ever imagine.

And did you think her darling menagerie of animals could be still for a moment? Not likely… they help her seek out all sorts of secrets that are waiting to be found and solved. I’m sure she is still testing the patience of a certain Corporal, though sparks are flying… both are still hesitant to pursue more, even though Doreen’s grandmother is all for pushing this couple together. There is still so much to discover… patience is needed with Mack and Doreen.


Dale Mayer continues to weave humour and seriousness with this series. A wonderful cast of quirky characters that make you smile and laugh out loud. Amid the fun, quirky banter, and hilarity readers are still provided cases that leave you heartbroken, solving a mystery or two at the same time. Such a delightful series. Each book is a wonderful, page-turning escape to brighten your day, Doreen style. I highly recommend this new series. If you love a cosy, mysteries and humour this book delivers…Where will Doreen take us next? Time will tell…

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that Daggers in the Dahlias is one of the best books in this series so far. The personalities of the main characters have gradually evolved in the previous books. I loved seeing Doreen, the protagonist, grow self-confident, courageously building her new life. She is now a vivid, captivating character. A smart, witty and loving individual, a very independent thinker, not afraid to make unconventional choices.
While investigating another cold case, she gets tangled in a myriad of twisted situations, tackling each one with a sharp inquisitive spirit and a delectable ingenuity.
As usual, Doreen is flanked by her team of animals, always effective helpers in her investigations, and by her grandmother, who while seeming a little sadder and feeling a little older in this episode, is still keeping the best of her spirit.
Doreen’s relationship with Mack, the local detective, is less than obvious. Coming from a disastrous marriage, she is reluctant to embark in another liaison, when she enjoys their friendship. Mack has given up on being upset about Doreen meddling in his police work and seems happy to be left in the friend zone, enjoying her company and giving her cooking lessons.
They are surrounded by a cast of new, vivid characters, that give depth to the story making it more interesting and entertaining with their antics.
Finally, Daggers in the Dahlias is a fresh, sweet and captivating book that is a pleasure to read, with a vivid and diverse cast of characters that the reader will remember with a smile.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions and comments are solely my own.

[Herluck]

Après les affaires classées qu’elle vient de résoudre, une femme vient lui demander son aide pour essayer de résoudre la disparition de son beau-frère qui est survenu trente ans plus tôt. En parallèle, elle doit faire face à des cambrioleurs qui veulent voler les objets de valeur qu’avait achetés Nan.

Vous l’aurez surement compris, mais je suis totalement accro, tellement que je suis en retard pour la réalisation des chroniques, au moment ou j’écris ces lignes, je suis déjà en train de lire le neuvième tome.

Pourquoi un tel engouement ? Car je trouve l’univers totalement captivant, et j’apprécie le fait de voir l’évolution de Doreen au fils des tomes, ses soucis ne se résolvent pas d’un coup de baguette magique (comme dans la vraie vie, d’ailleurs)

D’ailleurs, j’aime beaucoup l’évolution de ce personnage, d’une personne assez effacée, elle est devenue quelqu’un d’assez têtu et qui n’hésite pas à tenir tête à ce pauvre Mack.

Et que dire de ses animaux, Mugs le chien, Goliath le chat, et Thaddeus le gris du Gabon qui répète tous deux fois. Ils sont vraiment attachants et ils ne sont pas les derniers à mener l’enquête avec elle. Et surtout à la protéger dès qu’elle est en danger.

L’enquête de ce quatrième tome était vraiment bien ficelée, je n’avais pas trouvé l’identité du coupable avec Doreen. Et la fin de l’intrigue m’avait d’ailleurs donné envie de commencer dans la foulée le suivant.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Doreen and her menagerie of pets. My favorite is Thaddeus, the African Gray Parrot, the things he repeats have me giggling every time. Of course Goliath, the huge Maine Coon, and Mugs, her basset hound, all play a major role in her investigating.

Doreen's grandmother Nan, is a hoot and has left the house full of stuff, including some significant antiques, gorgeous clothes and who knows what else.

Then there's Mack, I love him too. The Police Corporal is kind, helpful and he kind of found her a job, gardening for his mother. There is something brewing between them but she's not ready for any involvements, even though her Nan thinks she should consider it. However, there are those cooking lessons.

This book opens with the appraiser from Christie's Auction House, and things just get wild from there. A request for help locating a missing brother-in-law literally falls into her hands.

Then Mugs has a fit over something attached to the antique bed and Mack has to help her with getting it off the underside of one of the slats.

So many laughs, some tears, a whole lot of intrigue and not so nice guys trying to break-in.

I couldn't put this book down, and now I can't wait to see what she finds in the Echinacea. Is it May yet?

[D. Harley Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly provided this book as an ARC; in exchange for my honest review. If you’re a loyal reader of this authors books; I feel I must warn you that this book (the fourth in her new series) is VERY different from anything else she’s written before.

Some may find it to be a little “young,” but as with most of Ms. Dale’s work, it is well written and a fast, easy read.

Doreen Montgomery moves to Kelowna (BC) to live in her Grandma Nan’s home after a nasty split from her husband of 14 years.

Her her first week in her new home she “discovered “ a few dead bodies (with the assistance of her new family; her Basset Hound Mugs, her Grandmas pets a cat named Goliath and a vocal African Grey Parrot named Thaddeus).

Doreen has somehow gotten involved in several murder cases in the time she’s lived in Kelowna, BC. Much mayhem and adventure ensues for Doreen, Mac, and Doreen’s pets. The birds vocabulary is hysterical and Grandma Nan is a hoot.

This is an entertaining and somewhat silly story. The ending was quasi expected, but entertaining all the same.

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

[W.A. Ashes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've missed this series. It took me far too long to return to it, but Lovely Lethal Gardens is a series that feels like home. I grew up watching Diagnosis Murder, Agatha Christi, Columbo, Murder She Wrote, and Hallmark Movie Mysteries, thus mysteries hold a special place in my heart. In this installment of Lovely Lethal Gardens. our lead lady doesn't stumble on a cold case by herself, which was refreshing because I was starting to worry Myer would be skipping over the fact that it was weird she kept finding old bones in a small town she just moved to. Instead of becoming a suspect, however, she has made a reputation for herself, and another woman asks her to look into the cold case of her brother-in-law.
I knew who the murderer was about 1/4th of the way through the book, and so did our investigator. The problem was, there was no evidence. This book didn't revolve around finding the murderer, but finding proof that they did it. I couldn't put it down. It took me 5 hours to read and I read it straight through, staying up late into the night because I needed to know how this seemingly perfect murder was committed.

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

Divorcee Doreen Montgomery can't seem to ignore cold cases when they come knocking even though she actually wants to lie low until she can send some of the priceless antiques in Nan's house to the Auctioneers. Can she avoid the press, avoid the seedier elements of the town who want to rob her and investigate the case (while not aggravating Corporal Mack Moreau too much)?

I loved this book which followed the investigation Doreen had undertaken trying her hardest to work out what happened 29 years ago. As usual, her determination in finding the truth left her a bit oblivious to any potential danger she was in. I loved the fact that once again the animals did their best to help her find the truth as well as follow her around like a faithful dog. Well written and addictive, I was definitely reading faster and faster as she got deeper into the mystery and nearer to the truth. If I have one regret it is that she has still not gone any further than simple friendship with Mack.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dagger in the Dahlias by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Four
Doreen Montgomery has just managed to get through solving a cold case. She's not been at her new home, her Nan's home, very long, and yet, she has either found dead bodies or found items sending her toward other mysteries. She's still trying to clean out her new home, get some valuable antiques out before they get ruined...or stolen...and she needs to learn how to cook and take care of herself.

When she gets a request to look into a cold case...how can she say no? After all, if she can help someone find closure in their life, she'll do it. No matter how much she has to bother the handsome detective she's befriended. Great stories, especially with her animal menagerie...Mugs the basset hound, Goliath the Maine coon cat, and Thaddeus the talkative African Grey.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a light hearted funny murder mystery as we join Doreen Montgomery and her pets as they try to solve the twenty nine year old missing person case.Will Doreen and her dog,car and parrot find the clues to the disappearance of Johnny Jordan? The twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and have you begging for more.I love her quirky Nan.As Doreen gets in trouble diving into the disappearance of Johnny.Her pets find a necklace that Johnny would never leave without. I love the way each character is bigger than life. I love Thaddeus the crazy parrot that has a bigger than life personality.And muffs the dog an goliath the cat.Mack the cop and Doreen would make a great match .The chemistry between Doreen and Mack is off the charts.Doreen is always getting herself in danger from the killer.I can hardly wait to see what's next by this multi talented author.

[EmmyT · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in the minority here. Getting annoyed with protagonist. So, she can't cook and she was never in a grocery store until a couple weeks ago. The ignorance is not believable. If she ever read a book, ever went to a school, ever talked to another person, ever had a pizza or a meal with a friend, ever watched a tv program, movie or sit-com, she would have known what was a clove of garlic. She would have known that garlic flavors the pasta sauce. She would have known the salad she described was plain old pasta salad. She would have known what a chopped onion is. She would have known you have to cook a package of ground beef. Even if she had never cooked before. I think it's great the boyfriend is teaching her to cook from scratch. With her ignorance, he should just show her how to open a jar of pasta sauce. Oh, and the word "scrambled" was a new term for her. Again, a book, a grade school, a tv commercial should have taught her that word.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen aka the bone lady is back at it again. Her 3 trusty sidekicks, Thaddaeus, Goliath and of course Mugs is there to spur her on and protect her and she goes investigating a 29yr old mystery. Nan puts her two cents in and wants info for her betting. Mack our fearless Mounty is becoming a touch more forthright about letting interest show for Doreen and teaching her to cook :) Doreen finds out that most of the furniture she is not enamored with are antiques. Yeah, income to live on. What I absolutely love about this series is you never really know who did it, there twists and turns all the way through and we get to watch Doreen grow as in individual as she learns to become self efficient and sees how the world runs without chefs, maids, etc. Ready for E :) Thank you booksprout and Dale Mayer for this lighthearted by thought provoking new series.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is never a dull moment when Doreen is asked to help with a cold case. While nervously waiting for valuable antiques to be sold, Doreen is asked to help on another cold case. Everyone assumes that Doreen is able to fast track getting information from Mac, a police detective, but that is not something that Mac can provide. While Doreen gets most of her information from local gossip, it's her pets that point to the most important clues. I received a free copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a wonderful suspenseful mystery which combines gardening, humor, small time life, and thoughts of culinary delights. Doreen is a delightful character who is diving back into gardening, life, and cold cases. I highly recommend this charming series. I love this book. It's a great addition to the series.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate to say it, but at first I thought Doreen was just dense regarding her inability to cook. It has become kind of endearing. She got so excited and awestruck as Mack taught her another recipe to cook.

One of the things I really liked about Doreen was the way her mind worked. Mack and the other members of his team were often left with their mouths hanging open. I'm with Doreen. They didn't consider that option?

When Doreen moved to Nan's house, I suspect she never thought she would unearth this many bodies and bones, as well as uncover the mysteries, and find the missing people of this town.

I also liked the slow development of Mack and Doreen's relationship. I couldn't even call it a slow burn. Their banter was also entertaining.

I don't know how to explain it, but there is something about this series that have caused me to become addicted.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books are getting better. Doreen is still clueless in some areas and you have to suspend belief at the depth of her cluelessness. It’s obviously that Mack is developing feelings for Doreen and Doreen has feelings for him but she’s not ready having just escaped her marriage. This time, she’s asked by a new friend, Penny, to look into the disappearance of her brother in law over 20 years prior. Along the way she discovers the disappearance of two other young men and thinks they are related.

Meanwhile, the antiques in her home are being appraised and the thieves are circling and breaking in ready to abscond with treasures.

Join Doreen and Mack along with the animal investigating crew for another fun, zany, hilarious adventure.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love these cozy mysteries - especially when they are set in a place with such a beautiful backdrop like Kelowna. This fourth book wasn’t as good as the previous three in my opinion - there was a lot of repetitive concern voiced from Mack and Doreen about the value of the antiques and the riskiness around having them at Doreen’s house that ultimately led nowhere. I also felt that because it had been a while since I read the third one I was a little lost - there were a few bits where they referred to the previous case with minimal background information. You definitely need to read these books in order for things to make sense and not spoil the outcome of previous cases (if you haven’t read them). Still, it’s a very entertaining read and the set up for the next one is well done.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen has many projects to juggle -- sorting through her Grandma Nan's house for antiques, flowers beds reclaimed in the backyard, and cooking lessons from her friend Mack. A message comes to her door, asking her help on a missing person from almost 3 decades ago. With the help of Nan and her friends, Goliath, Mugs and Thaddeus, Doreen digs into her next mystery. This book is just old fashion fun, a book for all ages. I laughed out loud in several spots and cheered as the pace picked up. No spoilers (just read, enjoy and laugh/cheer and laugh some more).

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story fantastic . I love Doreen and her quirky personality . Her pets are so amusing . I find them just delightful . As I read I felt like I was part of the story . Doreens pet family just drag her into the mysteries . I really enjoy reading this story it is so intertaining . I am looking forward to reading more of Doreens adventures , and the growing relationship between her and Mack . This is very well written and definitely keeps you intrigued . I highly recommend taking the time to read this remarkable story .

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

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story picks up from the last story, waiting to sell some of Nan's antiques to Christie's auction house, having just solved 2 cold cases, wondering what to do next, Doreen finds herself on a cold case with a difference. 29 years ago a young man went missing, no body ever found a letter from a family member asking for help. Mack wasn't a police officer when this case was open so reading up on it, listening and discussing theories with Doreen ensures a wild journey to come and surprising outcomes. Revisits some old characters and introducing new ones leave me wanting more. Can not wait for the book.

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

[Julia Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mack has his hands full, with Doreen solving cold cases all over the place. She just finished one, and was trying to get Nan's house sorted but it's not meant to be yet! Doreen receives a Letter asking for her help, ya know Bone lady and all ! So now she's embroiled in another case! Mack is resigned to this being a normal for them. And looks like Mack might be trying to heat things up a bit. Doreen's wondering if he's flirting, but she doesn't know! Nan is over at the rest home making money and cracking joked about little blue pills! This series is Fantastic. Doreen's antics will keep you on your toes!

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen and her 3 pet companions have managed to take on another cold case. She is juggling a growing relationship with Corporal Mack Moreau, learning to cook, trying to manage a house full of antiques left to her by her grandmother Nan and also her curiosity which leads her into solving cold cases. Speaking of Nan, she is a challenge too as she is living in senior housing and apparently amusing herself with betting schemes. All in all they are quite the characters and never cease to delight and amuse the reader. I do believe the pets could have a story of their own with their antics. Definitely a enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really miss this crazy quirky troops, Mugs, Goliath and Thaddeus always succeeded to brighten up my day, nothing but a big smile on my face when reading about these three. Well that and amazing gripping mystery that always make me guessing who's the bad guy is, that keeps me turning page after page until I reach the words "THE END", got no sleep but it's all worth it.

Great mystery, wonderful loveable characters, quirky furry friends, with a pinch of love and sweetness, yup you don't want to miss this, especially if you're a cozy mystery fan, this book is a MUST-READ one.

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

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Doreen of course. Now she has people putting cold cases in her mail box as if she needs anymore to do. Nor is she thrilled with her nickname the Bone Lady. Things just seem to happen to her. Of course Mack isn't to thrilled to learn she is being asked to looking to cold cases either. He always gets roped into helping her or getting her out of harms way. Dagger in the Dahlias is another cold case with surprising twists.
I do not give spoilers. I just love these cozy mysteries. I know you will also.

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

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational story with a plot full of intriguing hints and little twists that keep you reading, there are dangers lurking and clues cropping up when you don't expect them. Great moments with the animals to love. Oh and woe betide anyone threaten Doreen's family she is a feisty little thing when she needs to be, plus a few more sparks along the way. I adore this series and this unwitting sleuth with her three unlikely helpers, it is not to heavy but still contains serious events. This is murder mystery with a difference.