A new cozy mystery series from USA Today best-selling author Dale Mayer. Follow gardener and amateur sleuth Doreen Montgomery—and her amusing and mostly lovable cat, dog, and parrot—as they catch murderers and solve crimes in lovely Kelowna, British Columbia.
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.
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
Doreen may have solved her last case but not everyone is happy with the outcome which places her in danger. All Mack wants her to do is to take a break from investigations and perhaps heal from all that has transpired since she moved into town, but the town mysteries have a way of finding her.
A recovered gun leads her to some closed cases that she starts to re-open and that is when the mayhem really begins. Suspense, twists and wild times ensure as Doreen is on the case once again.
This cozy mystery series is one of the best. I enjoyed this book in particular. The cold case is interesting. That aspect of the series is different from a lot of mysteries. Doreen has really developed from the first book. The characters feel like old friends. I love the dynamic between Doreen and Mack and that the author isn't pushing an instant romance between them. I don't know how Doreen manages to accomplish everything with all she has going, but it makes for a fun and fast paced read.
A cozy mystery at heart, Gun in the Gardenias was full of delightful mystery. With slow paced mystery, almost non-existent suspense and very low on romance, Ms. Mayer prove that she’s a great writer as without those elements she still managed to make an enjoyable read. I myself love this kind of read once in a while. A book I could fully enjoy without palpitating. Hahaha
So, as 7th book in a series, Doreen character had grown. As an ex trophy-wife, by now she’d learned how to manage a household and to cater herself. It’s interesting to see the development, and I respected the character. She also found a friend in Mack, who was a bit of exasperated by her yet be her friend still. This kind of ‘side-story’ was the additional value I loved.
I was provided a complimentary copy by the author / publisher, but this in no way influenced my thoughts or opinions.
This is usually such a good series. I read to avoid cleaning my house, etc., so reading page after page about someone else cleaning was not how I wanted to spend my time. Also, the main character comes off as careless and arrogant in this book. The animals, while quaint in the other books, are credited with a bit too much intelligence in this one.
This is the second book that I have read from the Lovely Lethal Gardens series but as it is a standalone book, the fact that I hadn't read all the previous ones didn't detract from my enjoyment, This is a lovely gentle story, Doreen Montgomery is a pleasantly eccentric divorcee who was married to a very wealthy man so consequently lacked any domestic skills, her equally eccentric grandmother has moved into a nursing home and left her cluttered house to Doreen. Since moving to Kelowna Doreen has decluttered her grandmothers house, started a gardening business and set herself up as an armature sleuth. Corporal Mack Moreau of the police department has befriended Doreen and is teaching her to cook, he is amused and exasperated in equal measures at Doreen's interference in cold cases making more work for Mack and his team. This story is based around houses that have been burned to the ground and the charred bodies in them......who are the victims and who are the arsonists and what is the reason? Doreen suspects that Steve Albrough, a fixer for a local biker group is responsible for the murders and much to Mack's despair she sets out to gain proof. Doreen's life is in danger, can Mack save her ? there is definitely a gentle chemistry between Doreen and Mack.. Quite a lot of this sometimes amusing, but also serious story, is tongue in cheek, Doreen along with Thadeus the parrot. Muggs the dog and Goliath the cat add to the humour. If you are looking for nail biting suspense or hot romance then perhaps this isn't the book for you, but if you are looking for something different but equally enjoyable then I can recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am truly loving this series, the antics of Doreen's pets, Goliath, Mugs and Thaddeus are so much fun even as they demonstrate their loyalty to her. Her grandmother, Nan is a pip, she's the reason Doreen has a home and all these interesting issues.
At the end of the last book as things are wrapping up, one of Doreen's neighbors gives Detective Mack a gun he found in his gardenias.
In this one Doreen has finally gotten rid of much clutter that her Nan had collected over the years. She now wants to do a thorough cleaning before considering decorating to her liking. Of course nothing is simple and she merely finds more things to go through and organize.
Doreen has learned to do a lot, like pay the bills related to owning a home. Selling off of things and finding cash in pockets and pinned in clothing, plus working in Mack's mother's garden, has made this possible. She's also learned a bit about cooking thanks to lessons from Mack.
Mack gets so frustrated with her, she seems to find trouble even as she solves cold cases. He thinks he finally has convinced her to take some time to heal and rest when her neighbor hands him a gun.
That gun is just another added frustration for Mack as Doreen just leaves him on her porch.
This case intertwines with the last one and there is much suspense as we see Penny's friend Steve running into Doreen more than just occasionally.
Plenty of discoveries lead to clues and of course plenty of antics from the pets as Doreen tries to find a sense of normalcy. There are also more hints of a possible romance blooming, but the time definitely isn't right.
This series is delightful and I perk up every time there's a new addition. I can't wait for the next one!
I was kindly provided this book as an ARC; in exchange for my honest review. This is book 7 of 7. in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series.
This book series is quite different from anything else Ms. Dale has written before. But, quite excellent.
The series continues to remind me of Janet Evanovich’s fun/silly Stephanie Plum mysteries. Doreen seems to inadvertently get into similar “adventures” as Stephanie Plum, and in lieu of a crazy, potty-mouthed, ex-prostitute, side-kick; Doreen has an crazy African Grey parrot. (Seriously).. The book while dealing with some morbid events, is light-hearted and comical in parts, but no hot-steamy love scenes, violence, or profanity. As always, Ms. Dale writes an entertaining and fast read.
Series begins with Doreen Montgomery, a divorced 35 year-old woman who’s on her own for the first time. After losing everything but her dog (Mugs) an adorable Basset Hound moves into her grandma “Nan’s” home. Where she ends up the new caretaker/owner of some interesting pets.
As before, I recommend this book, if you want a fun-light-hearted, but easy read book. If you are accustomed to some of Ms. Dale’s steamier work and that’s your preference; then you may not enjoy. It does help a bit to read the series in order, just to understand the characters better. The fun and crazy adventures of Doreen and her pets are suitable for younger readers 14+ in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This picks up immediately after the close of the last book. In this story Steve Albright is trash talking The Doreen/Penny encounter. He is telling everyone that Doreen set Penny up. Doreen finds a hope chest in a secret room. Doreen stumbles onto several cold cases that involve arson and believes Steve is trying to kill her & burn her home down. She needs to find the connections between the cases, if there is one. Mack tries to keep her safe. By the end of the story, Doreen’s home is ninety percent empty with Christie’s taking a major portion of her antiques, art, jewelry and books. It could be 3 to 6 month before she sees any money from the auctions. Catalogues need to be made, items cleaned & photographed and the auction is still to be held.
Also, Doreen learns it will be a few months before her first check from the consignment store comes in (it takes three months to initialize, then monthly based on what sells. So, for the time being, she needs to work in order to eat & pay her living expenses.
Mack continues to give her cooking lessons.
I like the series and this book. It is too bad that Doreen was taken advantage of by her soon to be ex-husband and her lawyer. They definitely did not look out for her. I can only hope they will get theirs in a later book.
This was a quick entertaining listen. I am learning new things constantly about Canadian laws. The narrator did a wonderful job to enhance the story.
Dans ce tome, la pauvre Doreen doit faire face à l’ami d’une personne qu’elle a envoyé en prison, ce dernier veut lui faire payer et il est prêt à tout. Mais c’est sans compter sur la détermination de Doreen qui commence à fouiller dans le passé de ce dernier et elle découvre qu’il a des squelettes dans son placard.
Ce que j’aime bien dans la série « Jolis jardins maudits », c’est que les tomes se suivent, du coup, on a toujours des nouvelles des anciennes enquêtes que Doreen a résolues. Ce qui est du coup, assez difficile pour moi, de faire une chronique sans spoiler.
L’intrigue était vraiment captivante, je voulais savoir si elle allait réussir à mettre la personne qui lui voulait du mal, hors d’état de lui nuire. J’ai bien aimé la résolution de cette enquête, franchement, je ne m’attendais pas du tout à ce dénouement.
Doreen continue tout doucement son évolution, et il faut dire qu’elle partait de loin, la pauvre ne savait même pas allumer une gazinière. Oui, elle a des lacunes sur les petites choses du quotidien, mais pour résoudre les enquêtes criminelles, là c’est une autre histoire.
Par contre, j’ai remarqué un petit truc au niveau de la traduction, rien de bien méchant, je pense que si je ne les lisais pas les uns après les autres, je ne l’aurais pas du tout remarqué. Dans certains tomes, Doreen et Mack se vouvoient et dans d’autres ils se tutoient.
Gosh I love Doreen and her animals, it's like she just can't help herself from fathoming out all the why's and where's of whatever clues that almost liturally get thrown at her. Even when she's threatened or has a near miss she's scared but not put off, she just tries to make sure the animals and the house are as safe as possible, adjusting precautions as she can. The mystery in this was fairly intriguing and got a bit mixed with Penny's case a bit, plus juggling all the other bits and pieces so she was kept very busy. I am waiting for what I'm sure will be an explosive kiss between her and Mack when it eventually happens, they make a great couple. The animals as always add the light relief and the fierce protection of Doreen, the love between the 4 and the deep bond just keeps growing. Nan is kind and thoughtful she has spent years tucking things away and making sure Doreen would have a future when she needed it most, she reminds me a lot of my nan in many ways which makes this series such a joy to read. So glad I had today off so I could really dig in and spend it reading this fabulous story, now I want the next one.
Gardener and sometime sleuth Doreen Montgomery (plus her cat, dog, and parrot) need to tie-up some loose ends from her previous case (especially Steve Albright - who seems to be a fixer for a local biker gang). Her one consolation is that he no longer has a gun as he dropped him into her neighbour's Gardenias although when she finds a connection to three arson cases from years ago she is warned off by Corporal Mack Moreau who is concerned for her safety. However, she is not in the habit of listening to Mack about that after all, it has always worked out fine before.
I loved this story which has the usual levels of drama, danger, intrigue and excitement. This answered a number of questions I had outstanding at the end of the previous book and so it was nice to be able to close that one off totally (as well as close a few more cold cases too). Well written and easy to understand you do not need to have read the previous books in the series and understood this book. I can't wait to find out when Doreen gets up to next.
This is another incredibly enjoyable entry in this terrfic series. I am a true romance fan but I think it is impossible not the fall under the spell of Doreen and the rest of these lovable characters as each new mystery unfolds. The storyline will quickly capture your attention and have you trying hard to solve the case before Doreen can. In my opinion, what really makes this series so special is the cast of characters. From the sometimes too clever for her own good, trouble magnet that is Doreen, to the long suffering and much put upon Corporal Mack, to Doreen's outrageous, hilarious (and quite scene stealing) grandma, Nan, to Doreen's passel of loyal furred and feathered sidekicks (Goliath the cat, Muggs the dog and Thaddeus the parrot), these characters are genuine, likable and so very funny. If you are new to this series, you can feel free to jump in at any time as each book can be read as a standalone. However do keep in mind that character growth and relationships are evolving over the course of the series. A really fun read! This is my frank, freely posted review.
A quick fun read for relaxing set in Eastern British Columbia and garden background. Doren had been a trophy who had been retrace from wealthy husband with out a settlement. Her Grandmother invites Doreen to live in the family home while she goes to a retirement home. She leaves a yellow cat, Goliath and blue gray parrot, Thaddeus with house. Doreen has a dog, Mugs. The animals added much humor to the series and this is the ninth book. Doreen is interest in cold cases and one leads to another cold case to solve. Corporal Mack Moreau is helping her to live like people both as the law and a friend The book covers a serial fire bug, a gun found in the neighbor's garden and Doreen is sure Steve threw it there when she chased from her garden. Steve is Penny's boy friend and is twisting the facts about Penny making Doreen, the guilty party and Penny, the victim. Doreen finds a secret room in the house and it contains boxes that appear to come a some young girl's hope chest. There is no identification to boxes except a18 hundred newspaper. These two themes are brought together as one. I am looking forward to next book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
Doreen is back and is ready for a break from cold cases. She wants to finish cleaning and organizing her home but Doreen being Doreen that doesn't quite work out that way. Mack keepings hoping that Doreen will settle on solving the old boxes she has found and stay out of cild cases for a while. Mack also knows thats not happening . Doreen is very happy as she completes her home while trying hard to stay out of things but events brings her in. Her name as Bone Lady comes into play showing the town people want her help but also doesn't want the bad side of things. With an attack on her home, an interesting update of her relationship with her neighbor shows Doreen is winning in making friends(even if its baby steps). Mugs,Goliath are back running around and protecting their lady along with Thaddeus who is now showing off his new vocabulary. The strengthening of relationships showcasing some everyday things while Doreen is trying to move forward and learning everyday things.
I loved this book just as much as I loved all the other books in the series. The interaction between the main characters is just so awesome and it keeps you interested in the book. Love the interaction of the three animals in the book and how they each have their own personalities. The story-line is one where you are always wondering what type of trouble the main character will get into and how she will handle the case she gets herself involved in. The way the book is written keeps you guessing and also keeps you engrossed in the book. I always have trouble when I read this series as I do not want to put the book down and real life seems to always want to interrupt. Once again, the author has written a winner and I look forward to the next book in the series! Love, love, love these characters and these books!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Still smarting from the headwound she suffered in Book 5, Doreen now faces false rumors that she fabricated the allegations against her former new friend Penny Jordan. With the support of her good friend Corporal Mack , along with her 2-legged, 4-legged, and winged family members and an unexpected diversion from her neighbor’s finding a gun in his gardenias, Doreen is able to resolve completely several open questions from the cases in Books 5 and 6, as well as some new, now-related cold cases. Never a dull moment, even on the days when she is determined to rest so she can finish cleaning out her old house now that the valuable antique pieces have gone to the auction house. A good mix of excitement, danger, and exhausting housework in this, Book 7 of the Lovely Lethal Gardens series. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gun in the Gardenias by Dale Mayer Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Seven Doreen is still recovering from when her Penny, who she thought was a friend, had tried to kill her. Since then, she'd solved a cold case. Now, it was time to get her own house in order. As if, she doesn't ask for trouble or to cause her friend with the police force so much work...it just seems to find her.
And, if Doreen can give people peace of mind by closing a mysteries of cold cases...she'll do it. And Nan, Doreen's grandmother, is loving it as she sets up betting pools at the retirement home according to what Doreen may be working on.
Not forget her Bassett hound, Mugs, and Goliath, the Maine coon cat, and finally her African grey parrot, Thaddeus, who seemed to help and protect Doreen along the way. Great series! https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
This is a book for all ages. This is a standalone book, filled with old fashion charm and whimsical characters, many of whom we have met in the previous books. Mystery, suspense and a touch of romance as Doreen and her friends of fur and feather work to solve another cold case. I love the way Dale Mayer wraps flirty with friendship for Doreen and Mac, pure love between Doreen and her grandmother, and absolute love and loyalty between Doreen and her dog Mugs, Maine coon cat Goliath, and parrot Thaddeus. Cold cases just seem to land in her way, Doreen finds herself as she navigates her new life. Note: each book just keeps getting better than the previous book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely Fantastic . I love this series . I enjoyed this story .Gun In The Gardenias . It is just as good if not better than the others in the series . Doreen and her family of animals continue to solve cold cases and Mack continues trying to convince her not to because it is just to dangerous . Thank goodness Doreens animals always come to her rescue . I love Doreens quirkiness and absolutely love her pets . Nan continues to entertain . The mystery continues will Mack and Doreen step out of the friend zone and will Doreen run out of cold cases . This is a well written and wonderful cozy mystery . It is full of unique characters . I highly recommend taking the time to read this story . I think it is fabulous .
Doreen is torn between finalizing the organization of her home and delving into historical crime records compiled by a dying journalist. Like every book in this series, Doreen does a little of both. I received a free copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. The growth of Doreen in this series makes this more than a cozy mystery series. It's interesting to see Doreen delve into everything whether it is gardening, cleaning out the old stuff from her inherited home, and researching cold cases. No everyone likes Doreen's crime research, but there is always someone looking for her help. Doreen also doesn't always realize that her suspicions put her into danger. I really enjoy this series and look forward to the next one.
I have read a few cosy mysteries but none have ever come close to Dale's books. I love this series so much. The funny relationship between Doreen and Mack has me giggling sometimes. They like each other even though Doreen has the habit of getting into trouble or rather trouble finds Doreen. Her nan is so hilarious and I love Thaddeus the parrot, Mugs the dog and not forgetting Goliath the cat. So a gun was found, Steve issued some threats, acts of arson were found, a deathbed confession was recorded and a person who should be dead is not dead but wants someone else dead. Read it and it won’t be so confusing lol. A great read with some laughs thrown in and a blossoming relationship that may or may not go far. Can’t wait for book 8.
Doreen is fresh off one case at straight into solving more cold cases. The Bone Lady is cleaning her house out and making it her own and finding cases to solve along the way. This book picks up right where the last one left off. Penny is in custody and Steve is mad as fire and out for revenge. Doreen is glad the last case is helping to bring a child home that has been missing for many years too. Mack is enjoying getting to know Doreen although he is worried about her safety too. Nan and the animals are always that little bit of extra flare that make you smile while reading the books. It's an excellent read and probably my favorite series of Ms. Mayer's. I volunteered to read this book through Booksprout.
Another lovely "Lovely Lethal Gardens" story. These are fun to read and you like watching Doreen learn to make her way, solve cold cases, to the chagrin of the local constabulary, and rekindle her relationship with her grandma. And you can't loose when you have 3 adorable pets that act like your children. But, Doreen just has a way of falling over clues, most of the time to things that happened a long time ago. She can't help it...she works in the gardens and always seems to "dig" up clues. It is also enjoyable watching her and Corporal Mack Moreau try to figure out exactly what their relationship might turn out to be, if she could just quit falling over crimes and creating more work for Mack and his police force.
The characters in this series (especially the pets) have stolen my heart and I just can't wait until a new book comes out! Doreen was a rich girl who was married to a cheating scumbag richer guy. He finds someone new and divorced Doreen leaving her with nothing.
Doreen didn't know anything about how to support herself, feed herself or almost nothing about real life. Luckily her Nan had left her her home when she moved into assisted living. I have watched Doreen begin believing in herself and learning she has things to contribute to the community.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
(4.5) I want to live next door to "Bone Lady" and her fur babies. I want to see Mack up close and personal and go lay a few bets with Nan. I feel like I know Doreen and I want to know her better. I have a few things she could certainly investigate for me :) This is another enjoyable read one that takes you out of your day to day as you go along for a fun ride as Doreen delves into more mysteries and cold cases. She has really grown since Arsenic in the Azaleas. I like her thinking things through, going the extra mile for loved ones and her growing friendship with Mack. I wanted to give this a 5 but I just couldn't understand how Steven got a way with so much when he seems to be a real clutz, and fool. It just nagged at me. Gun in the Gardenias made me smile, gave me family, a mystery and warmth. It truly embodies "cozy mystery" Thank you Dale, Booksprout and Valley Publishing for the arc. I freely volunteer my opinion. All thoughts are my own and were unsolicited.
So Corporal Mack Moreau worries about Doreen who can't seem to stay away from cold cases while her cuddly animals stay close to protect her. Thaddeus can peck, Mugs can bite and Goliath's claws are sharp as can be. Doreen can garden, clean house in beyond record time, is learning to cook with Mack's help but uses a skillet for other things, and can't help successfully playing at detective. I'm secretly wondering how big this town is as it seems full of criminals, or rather, it was full of them till Doreen arrived. I really enjoyed this perfect cozy mystery with it's endearing characters.
Doreen is sure what the neck the boxes some teenager does off are all about.They are from a journalist thats in hospice dying. Steve Pennys friend seems out to get Doreen an she just keeps poking the bear driving Mack crazy he tries like he;ll to keep her out of his cases.There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.I love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and you can feel their emotions and their pain.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WOW! What another FANTASTIC story! Dale has done it again! Doreen is still reeling from the last case when she gets 4 boxes of a dying journalist's and she figures out about the 4 murders and the house fires. She figured out who the criminal is and he goes after her. Throughout the story, her animals help her every chance they can get. They are also very protective of her. Mack just gets exasperated with her throughout the book but I feel he is very appreciative of her ability to solve the cold cases! FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next book!
I really adore Doreen and her adorable critters, always love it when they're in action, and this book totally not disappoint, although kinda predictable, but with all the fun and the joy Doreen and those quirky critters bring, I still love this book, especially the relationship between Mack and Doreen, they're just so sweet and cute together. This book has a good cold case story, great chemistry between characters, loveable fur babies, cool actions, yup love this book a lot.
If you're looking for a cozy mystery read, this book is it.
This series is so much fun to read. The animals are so adorable. Doreen is in trouble with her neighbors all the time because she keeps solving cold cases so the media camps out in the cul de sac trying to see what she is up to next. Just when things quiet down, something pops up like a gun in the gardenias, of course, brought over by a disgruntled neighbor. Things keep heating up and it just gets better. I could go on and on and then I would spoil it, so I must stop. You will love this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.