Murder in the Marigolds

Lovely Lethal Gardens #13

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags … Chaos has never been so supreme … Now a suspect herself … No calm in sight …

Being a suspect in the murder of her ex-lawyer is not the fun Doreen thought it would be. And, of course, she’s been ordered to stay away from the case, … but she can’t help being interested. So she enlists Mack’s brother, Nick—her new lawyer—to help.

Mack’s first priority is to clear Doreen as a suspect. No one in their right mind would seriously believe she’d done the deed, of course. … But, the fact is, she had both motive and opportunity, so clearing her of suspicion isn’t the walk in the park that Mack would like it to be. Especially not when she insists on sticking her nose into his case, where it doesn’t belong.

And just when Doreen is certain things can’t get any worse, answering her doorbell shows her that this nightmare has just started. Who just walked into her life? None other than her soon-to-be-ex-husband, … Mathew …

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Ebooks, Animals

296 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2021

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

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick and fun read in the Doreen and Mack misadventures. With the murder of Doreen’s former unscrupulous lawyer, Doreen comes under suspicion. Now I have to say I was a bit miffed at Doreen at first because of the way she reacted to Mack’s investigation of the case. It was also good for Doreen to be in the hot seat for once, get a taste of being the one left squirming on the “hot seat” of suspicion 😂😂😂 just when Doreen thinks it’s won’t get any worse, her ex husband, Matthew, shows up. Doreen is sure he has an agenda.
Did he kill Robin?
Will Doreen go back to her life of luxury?
Is Mack jealous?
With Mack and Doreen ever acknowledge their “feelings”
What does Matthew really want?
Will the animals have to save Doreen again?

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this series. I listen on audible. New narrator is not great, but I am so connected to the characters and animals that I'll keep listening. Waiting for the next book to be relased.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Marigolds is the 13th book in the Lovely Lethal Gardens alphabet series. The book starts with the cops showing up at Doreen’s house asking if she has an alibi for the previous night. She cannot believe Mack her friend and a local cop thinks she could have killed someone. Mack tells her he is just doing his job and must clear her so they can look for the other suspects. Whenever there is a mystery, Doreen cannot resist trying to solving it, usually ending up with putting her life in danger. This is case is no exception. I like that the stories are starting to focus on the characters just as much as it does on the murder mysteries. As Doreen thinks about the life she gave up and the life she is living now. Doreen begins to see that Mack may like her as more than a friend. The question I have is, what will she do about it. I am looking forward to the next book to see how the relationship proceeds.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this book opens Doreen is still recovering from being shot. Her shoulder is still sore and she can't lift it much, but it's improving. She's enjoying her morning coffee when Mac arrives bearing gifts, a patio table and chairs. He's also acting weird.

When he starts asking her questions it only gets worse and the victim clarifies things a bit. Her former lawyer Robin. However it's when she notices Arnold and Chester behind him that she starts to worry. While she is a suspect they are still waiting on forensics, and her shoulder injury could be her saving grace.

Mack had barely left when his brother, Nick her new attorney calls. It's on his radar since he initialized accusations that put Robin in a position to be disbarred. All of this because of the treatment Doreen was put through with her divorce.

Nan is her rock, and supports her no matter what. A visit with her and the animals brightened her up a bit, but even that was short-lived. He ex wants to meet with her, something she has no real desire to do especially now that Robin is dead and they're both suspects.

Of course Doreen is not going to stay out of the investigation and she starts by following Robin's trail. Knowing Robin's love of Chinese food, that's where she starts and actually hits pay dirt. You know Mac isn't going to be pleased.

Lots of twists and turns in this one. Doreen's ex is a jerk and the folks that work for him are as well.

I love Goliath, Thaddeus and Mugs, they are so often her saviors as well as her much loved pets. While I know Doreen isn't ready for a relationship, she still doesn't get that Mack is just patiently waiting until she is.

I really can't wait for the next book in this series, each one makes laugh and bite my nails a bit.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am more than a bit tired of Doreen's attitude. It is so inconsistent. She can stand up to Mack, Nick, Nan, her neighbor, and any number of REAL criminals with guns.

How does she not manage to stand up to her estranged husband? Something as simple as not opening the door. She didn't have to confront him, she just had to keep the door shut.

She keeps talking about being poor. $900 in a bowl with Nan leaving her another $1200 wad of cash is not poor. She talks about not having marketable skills. She can use a computer, scan documents and file.

The "romance" with Mack finally took half a step forward on his part. Doreen did not seem to recognize that.

I guess I am getting tired of people asking her to not do certain things and she runs right out and does it or doesn't secure her house. How many times can she get hit in the head, literally, before she chills out?

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the thirteenth book in the "Lovely Lethal Gardens" series and they just get better, I love these cosy mysteries that have a bite.
Slightly wacky Doreen Montgomery had been a lady of leisure living in a gilded cage, that is until her lawyer friend, Robin, betrayed her by helping her soon to be ex husband screw her out of any money that was due to her , her husband kicked her out and moved his lover, Doreen's lawyer friend, in.
Doreen moved into her grandmother's house and although she was broke she was enjoying her freedom and had found a talent in armature sleuthing much to the exasperation of her long suffering friend Corporal Mack Moreau of Kelowna PD.
When Robin's body was found in a bed of marigolds in Kelowna, Doreen was horrified to find that she was a suspect, Mack warned Doreen to stay out of the investigation but that wasn't Doreen's style.
When Doreen's, soon to be ex husband, turns up on her doorstep saying that he wanted her back Doreen was determined to find out what he was up to, things weren't what they seemed, did Mack have reason to be jealous ? Had Robin screwed Mathew as well as her ? Could Matthew have murdered Robin ?
This is a brilliant story with delightful characters, wonderful Nan with her fingers in so many pies, long suffering but ever hopeful Mack and of course Doreen's zany companions Thaddeus the talking parrot, Mugs the dog and Goliath the cat.
A delightful story with tongue in the cheek murder, I am looking forward to the next story in the series.

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

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

Doreen finds herself a suspect in the murder of her ex-lawyer and it's definitely not the fun she thought it would be. Mack has ordered to stay away from the case but she is just not capable of not being interested and so she enlists Mack's brother and her new lawyer Nick to help her. The first priority for Corporal Mack Moreau is to clear Doreen as a suspect as no one in their right mind would believe that she'd done the deed. But he has to take into consideration that she has both the motive and the opportunity so it is not going to be a walk in the park made much worse considering she will not leave it alone and wait to be cleared! Then when she thinks it just cannot get any worse she answers the door of her house and the nightmare gets worse - her soon to be ex-husband Matthew is there. Will there never be an end to this nightmare?

I really enjoyed this instalment of the series where everything was far more personal to Doreen and both her old and new life. There were a lot of unanswered questions that were answered or were asked and put off until a later time. It definitely reinforced to me that her soon to be ex-husband Matthew was a piece of work and I'm sure we'll see much more of his evil and ire in later books in the series. Well written and easy to read. feel and understand.

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

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doreen is still recovering from her last mystery when another one hits home. Robin was her lawyer of questionable ethics and now has been found dead in Doreen's town. Mack has the job of questioning Doreen as he doesn't want her to be uncomfortable with someone else doing it. Since her new lawyer Nick (Mack's brother) has been starting proceedings in the still ongoing divorce, apparently it has stirred some trouble? So her newest adventure begins. So while Doreen needs to prove her innocence, she also needs to know Mack is just doing his job. When her almost ex husband shows up in town offering a renewed friendship the mystery grows. Doreen is determined to find the killer with the help of her three constant companions, Mugs, Thaddeus and Goliath. Nan tries to help too with pound cake no less. This ongoing tale continues to be delightful as we get to know each person even better. Great reading for bedtime or anytime at all. Doreen, you really need a cookbook. On second thought, maybe not, since Mack is around to help on that level too!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Marigolds by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Twelve
Doreen is on the wrong side of the law, it seems. When Mack comes to see her, he's different. And he has a couple officers with him. Not good. It seems that her ex-lawyer who had screwed her out of our fair divorce settlement...and then took her place in the bedroom...is dead. Earlier she'd been at Doreen's house yelling and screaming.

Mack, the local detective and a man who has helped Doreen out in so many ways, knows she's innocent but has also told her to stay away from the case. Fat chance of that. He'd have better luck keeping a pack of feral dogs from eating bacon that was tossed in front of them.

Doreen is still recovering from being shot in the last case she helped solve and now this one is too personal to leave alone. So, with Mugs, Goliath, and Thaddeus at her side. Her grandmother at Rosemoor with her betting ring set up. And her unwanted ex coming to town. Adds to the fun in this cozy mystery.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, Doreen's ex-lawyer deceived Doreen in her divorce and left her penniless. Then the lawyer moved in with Doreen's soon to be ex-husband. Now the ex-lawyer has been murdered Realizing that she is the main suspect in the murder of her ex-lawyer, Doreen is not going not going to stay out of the investigation. Before long, Doreen's husband is in town. Now Doreen has two mysteries: a murder and figuring out what her ex-husband is up to. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love Doreen and her protective pets. Even though Doreen is adapt at gardening and solving mysteries, she is still lacking in some everyday knowledge. I also love seeing Doreen's sleezy ex-husband and how much Doreen has changed in dealing with him. I love seeing the story through Doreen's eyes. This is a terrific series and I look forward to further adventures with Doreen and her pets.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, for the most part. Some of the books seem to be grasping and end up with a lot of descriptions and explanations, however, this story moved right along. My biggest issue was that I read these when they come out and then can't remember details from early on in the previous story. So I had to go back and skim some from the last book. Doreen's ex-lawyer, who showed up and created a scene in the last book, is found, guess where...Murdered in the Magnolias. So, of course, the death of the woman who made sure Doreen got nothing in her divorce, makes Doreen the first, most obvious choice for the nefarious deed. Mack comes to question Doreen, so she feels certain it is up to her to find the culprit. I liked that this story moved along, and the future relationship between these two is starting to show a little bit of promise. A little, I said. I really enjoyed this 13th installment in the Lovely Lethal Gardens series.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh! Exciting, finally. Amongst the murder and becoming a suspect Doreen is still a bit shaken and just not herself, but still she throws herself and her animals into clearing her own name and solving the case. This plot was twisted around and fairly complex, it gave me as a reader something to get to grips with right along with Doreen, Mack and the animals. There were a few light hearted moments and I think a few aspects that will continue into the next book, though this case was solved. Nan as always is a joy and comes through just at the right times with support, tea and treats. Mack is definitely the hero in this one, I so want him to get what he wants and he is being so patient. This ended up being so much more than things appeared on the surface and I loved it. Started 15/4/21 Finished 16/4/21

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen is really coming into her own. Evaluating, weighing, living and loving life. This time Doreen is the prime suspect as her lawyer (ex) is found murdered. She is not the prime suspect for long, Mac does his due diligence and exonerates her. Not fast enough to keep her from investigating on her own, well with the help of her now lawyer and Macs brother, Nick. Her neighbor Richard pops up now and then, ok fess up who else thinks of Tool Time and the neighbor over the fence. Mac and Doreen appear to take a step closure in acknowledging their friendship could be changing into something deeper, albeit with a little help from Doreens ex popping up. This mystery has several casts of characters that could be involved, or are involved with twists and turns that keeps you turning the page for a resolution. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Dita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this series...love every book but this one definitely my fav.

This time Doreen is a suspect for the murder of her EX Lawyer that screwed her up, then the past finally cathing Doreen. Her Ex coming to town, her Ex's staff too, her ex's dark ugly businesses revealed. Doreen really busy trying to clear her name and trying to figure out why her Ex wanting to meet her.
Yup finally I got to meet Doreen's awful EX, but the most important thins is finally I can see jealousy from Mack and finally there's an opening for Mack and Doreen to be more than friends.
Lots of sweet cute moments here. Lots of action too, well is Doreen we're talking about, trouble always finds her.
Perfect amount of mystery, actions and romance, so yes it's perfect for me.

A MUST-READ series for cozy mystery readers.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading
Murder in the Marigolds . Doreen and her animal family are at it again . When Doreen's ex attorney is found murdered in the Marigolds . Doreen finds herself a suspect . Mack quickly takes her off the list but soon Doreen is in danger again and her pets are right there with her . While trying to keep out of danger Doreen cannot help herself and stay away from the investigation . I really enjoyed this story . It is entertaining and I find myself drawn right into the story . I cannot forget
Nan and her carrying on . I highly recommend taking the time to read . I definitely recommend the entire series .

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

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery.As Doreen an her quirky pets try an solve a murder but this one isn't A cold case.When Mack shows up one morning an joins Doreen on her back porch he seems so serious.He asks Doreen where she was .She looks an sees two of the officers who had been there to help build her back deck they all look so serious.She says joking its like I'm A,suspect .Mack says your former attorney was found murdered in the marigolds.Doreen feels so betrayed that Mack would treat her like a suspect.He tells her to stay out of the investigation. Doreen is so upset she goes to see Nan but Nan tells her Mack has to do his job.Will Doreen stay out of the investigation ?Or will Doreen,Muggs,Goliath,and Thaddeus get involved ?Will Mack find Doreen in time to save her?

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Marigolds

WOW!Another FANTASTIC story by Dale! Doreen finds herself as a suspect when her ex-lawyer was found murdered. Doreen also has the displeasure of getting a visit from her ex-husband. Doreen is pulled in many different directions. She always seems to get herself hurt or kidnapped. She is starting to see Mack as more than a friend but she is not quite ready to get into another relationship. Mack is a patient man as he is definitely wanting to pursue a relationship with Doreen. Now that the murder has been solved, Doreen wanted to relax but when Mack gets a call about a kidnapping, Doreen gets her energy back and can't wait to get involved in that case. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book! Can't wait for the next book!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another thoroughly delightful cozy mystery in this always looking forward to the next entry series. Doreen and company are back and this time the situation she finds herself in is quite dire and the personal stakes are even higher. I'm always beyond thrilled to return for a visit with these beloved characters and work the case with Doreen and her menagerie of animal pals. It's a bit cute, a whole lot fun and just the right amount of suspenseful. I loved that we got a deeper look at Doreen's past and what felt like the perfect nudge to (hopefully) move Mack and Doreen's relationship in the right direction. I am posting an independent, impartial review.

[Marsha Nelson-Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short story

I like these books and have bought 13 of them, but I'm getting tired of Doreen's whinning. I enjoyed it more when she was just beginning to live on her own, now she's back to making "poor me" comments about money. She really doesn't seem to have any compassion for Nan or Mack. If she ever does get a settlement, I sure help she uses some of it to help the people who have been helping her. She could still be a good detective AND have money. Quit dragging that plot line out. Give her an income, a romantic relationship with Mack and a means to solve more crimes. Please!

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a lot closer to home for Doreen as not only is it her ex friend and lawyer Robin who is found dead, but she is also a suspect and her ex husband is in town. This is the first book in the series that I really did worry that Doreen would be in grave danger and as much as I agreed with Mack she shouldn't look into the murder I also know she needed to in order to get closure from her ex who fyi is a total creeper! There are some good twists and a few heart stopping moments as we slowly find out why Robin was killed and why.

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

[Gail Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Mystery

The books in this series are nice relaxing mysteries. I know that’s a strange thing to say about a murder mystery but it’s true. Doreen and her 3 animal musketeers are entertaining, even though the critters do not behave like a typical dog, cat or bird. It even seems as if Doreens romance with Mack might be developing some heat.
The mystery was interesting, but it did feel a little as if the dead woman had done a 180 in attitude with no believable motive for the change (I found it hard to believe she just fell in love and it changed her, but I suppose it could happen 🤔).

[Herluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quand l’ex-avocate peu scrupuleuse de Doreen est assassinée, cette dernière est un temps suspectée. Mack l’innocente assez rapidement, mais elle décide de mener son enquête, et elle s’aperçoit que son ex-avocate cachait de sombres secrets. Et en plus, son futur ex-mari vient la voir personnellement.

Intrigue qui était centrée cette fois-ci sur Doreen et sur sa vie avec son ex-mari. Elle était vraiment intéressante, je voulais absolument savoir qui était le coupable et surtout quelles étaient les intentions de Mathew, le futur ex-mari de Doreen.

Ce tome permet de voir l’évolution de Doreen depuis son arrivée, ce qui a beaucoup surpris Mathew, personnage tout simplement détestable.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

After solving the last xase Doreen is trying to take it easy and recuperate but then her former friend and ex divorce attorney ends up dead. Doreen looks like the prime suspect. She takes the case head on to prove her innocence and a world of trouble comes knocking at her door along with a world she had no clue that her soon to be ex was involved in. It's a fast-paced adventure that could either bring her Mack closer or tear them apart. Fantastic read. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.

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

Another adventure with Doreen and her menagerie. Will she be in trouble again as she's still recovering from the last book? How boring would it be if her animals and Mack couldn't save her from strife again.
I've enjoyed each story as we watch the growth of Doreen, an emotionally battered 'handbag' to becoming an independent woman. No mystery will keep her down, she thinks outside the box finding clues and solving cold cases.
This author does a wonderful job, I've been entertained thoroughly every time.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Lovely Lethal Gardens series with gardener and amateur sleuth Doreen Montgomery along with her cat, dog and parrot as they catch murderers and solve crimes in Kelowna, British Columbia. "Murder in the Marigolds" has Doreen as a suspect in the murder of her former lawyer, Robin and then her ex Mathew shows up adding to the mayhem. Ms. Mayer never disappoints whatsoever and she has given us another winner in the must-read series. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I also purchased a copy.

[Emily Hean · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was so much repetitive dialogue in this book that it felt like the author was just trying to hit the word count. It wasn't the worst in the series (as can be seen by my rating) but definitely wasn't even close to the best; I feel like as the author rushes to get these out, something is missed in terms of plot and character development, and even basic editing.

Still, the romance finally started developing more (though I still didn't get a kiss) and I feel like the slow burn might finally be worth it, so I'm going to keep reading these books.

[Julia Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the stories keep getting better! Doreen's ex divorce attorney shows up on her door step, then turns up dead. Mac has to treat her as a suspect, which hurts Doreen's feelings, but hey. Mac doesn't believe it, but he has to do his job. Doreen wants to be involved, which Mac has put his foot down on. So Doreen enlists her new attorney Macs brother to help her. And when things couldn't get any worse, her ex husband makes an appearance. SO much mystery around this case, but Doreen is on the case. I like that feelings are really starting to show up now, and they are kind of talking about it.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best yet in this series! I love all the characters (Especially the animal crew). In this one, Doreen is in trouble! Her Lawyer is found dead, and she is the chief suspect. She and Mack work quickly to clear her name and finally admit to each other they are moving past friendship and into a relationship. We get to meet her slime bag Ex, and she stands up for herself. We get to see how far she has really come. Wonderful and satisfying story!.

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

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a one sitting read!

Now I'm happy with this series again! The animals are back to playing major parts in the story line. For 2 books they were hardly mentioned. This is my main reason for reading this series; Thaddeus, Goliath and Mugs!! I absolutely enjoyed this story line. Definitely kept me glued to the book and just couldn't put it down even to watch a favorite ghost show. Thank God for demand!! I truly love this series and hope the animals will continue to have a major role in each new mystery!!!!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the thirteenth in the series. Her ex-lawyer, Robin shows up yelling & ranting on her doorstep, Matthew, the slimy soon-to-be-ex shows up professing he wants Doreen back. So glad, Doreen realizes he just wants something.

The ex-lawyer winds up dead 8 hours after showing up at Doreen’s home. Both Doreen and Matthew are prime suspects.

Mack is on a mission to prove Doreen is innocent.
This story is full or twists, turns and SURPRISES! I enjoyed every minute of this audio book. I think Doreen has changed and is wising up.

Looking forward to the next installment.