What do you think?
Rate this book
Motts Cold Case Mystery #3
Pickled Petunia
Mystery beckons when a young woman seeks out budding amateur detective Pineapple "Motts" Mottley to find her missing mother in the third novel of the Motts Cold Case Mystery series.
Murder comes to Motts's doorstep when a stranger asks her to investigate a suspicious disappearance. Past experience tells her to say no yet her curiosity wins out. What's the harm in asking a few questions?
The missing person case quickly evolves into murder when a body is found in the strangest circumstances. Motts sifts through various suspects and lies, only to come face to face with danger. Things become even more personal when a killer from her childhood makes an unwelcome appearance.
How many close calls can Motts escape?
Will she survive amidst a flood of beer and a catastrophic inferno?
Murder comes to Motts's doorstep when a stranger asks her to investigate a suspicious disappearance. Past experience tells her to say no yet her curiosity wins out. What's the harm in asking a few questions?
The missing person case quickly evolves into murder when a body is found in the strangest circumstances. Motts sifts through various suspects and lies, only to come face to face with danger. Things become even more personal when a killer from her childhood makes an unwelcome appearance.
How many close calls can Motts escape?
Will she survive amidst a flood of beer and a catastrophic inferno?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2021
13 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Dahlia Donovan
49 books778 followersDahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 2, 2022
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the third book in the Motts Cold Case Mystery series. I have read and reviewed the first two book in this series before picking this book up. This book is a fast pace Cozy Mystery, and I really love the characters in this book. I love the Motts as Autism. The mystery in this book is so good, and I love the ending of this book. I felt this book has a ton of action and suspense to be a Cozy Mystery. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Tangled Tree Publishing) or author (Dahlia Donovan) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
November 16, 2021
Pineapple Meg Mottley, or Motts to her friends, inherited a lovely Cornish coastal cottage from her Auntie Daisy, where she now resides with her Sphinx cat, Cactus. A local woman, Paisley, begs Motts to help find out who has killed her mom, since Motts has been (unwittingly) involved in several other local cases. Even though she has help from the police, it's clear that this investigation will put her in more danger than she thought. I enjoy reading these books, where everyone in the village is friendly--they enjoy pastries and tea, accept all sexual preferences, and show both understanding and kindness to their quirky, autistic friend, Motts. Despite the murders, it's definitely a village I'd like to visit. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
October 23, 2021
Motts and Cactus are back with all of the gang and I am one happy girl. I read this in one sitting since I couldn’t put it down. My favorite part of this series is the mystery, but the close second is just how well the author portrays the protagonist and how she lives and copes with Autism. It’s a fact of life and I love that Dahlia shows her independence and spunk and how her friends and family, at least most of them, interact with her and makes it real for so many who don’t have exposure to those with autism.
Kudos for a well written series and a cast of characters that range from quirky to lovable and all ranges in between.
Kudos for a well written series and a cast of characters that range from quirky to lovable and all ranges in between.
October 31, 2021
Pineapple Mottley, aka Motts, has become one of my favourite amateur sleuths with her supportive friends and family… and Cactus, her spoilt but adorable cardigan-wearing cat. The working mind of Motts is one that is amazing and I love reading about, she never ceases to amaze me with her train of thought. For someone who literally needs quiet and a less stressful life she seems to end up in some very tricky situations.
New characters are introduced in this story and Beck seems like an interesting one but the jury is still out. 😄 I loved Teo coming back, okay I’ll be honest, he’s my favourite for Motts. Dempsey is lovely too, how does Motts do it, she’s asexual yet attracts partners like nobody’s business! I love it, go Motts.
The snippets of humour throughout the story are really top notch, they left me chuckling and at times surprised me, I loved how they did that. Honestly, that’s one of the best things about these stories, you never know what’s around the corner. The mystery takes you all over the place trying to piece together bits and pieces and then when all is revealed it’s like, of course! 😆 Then there’s the sinister secondary mystery lurking in the background that really started in the last book but ramped up in this one. Now that I am itching to know more about.
I literally can’t get enough of these wonderful cosy mysteries and special mention must go to the crossover link with the characters from her London Podcast Mystery series. Another fantastic series too.
October 17, 2021
A cute cozy with lots of appeal. Love the cat! The first that I've read in the series but I will be sure to read the others. The characters are down to earth for me. Great story plot. Thanks #netgalley and #TangledTreePublishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
January 2, 2022
Mott's Cold Case Mystery series has been very entertaining to read and Pickled Petunia continues that with a somewhat dramatic plot that this time Motts is asked to look into by the daughter of a missing woman.
The mystery plot of this book has you guessing about suspects and reasons behind the murder. Paisley is the daughter of Petunia, who has gone missing recently. She's asked for Motts's help finding her but also seems a little off when talking about anything but then the same can be said about her own boyfriend and her mother's. Interactions to keep you guessing, people and their to confuse you and Motts's thinking to bring you into the thought process of someone with autism. It's a cosy mystery read but things are heating up for Motts as she comes closer to the conclusion of the case but this isn't the only danger that's presenting at the moment. Something from her past is rearing its head and Motts is definitely not ready to deal with that again.
One of my favourite things about this series, apart from Motts herself, is the friends and family that surround her. Vina, Nish, and River are her closest people but since moving to the small village in Cornwall, there's no end of friendships and love from those who only want her to feel comfortable, secure and accepted for who she is. There may also be the slight worry about the trouble she seems to continually find herself in. Amusingly, Motts seems to have three men who would love the pleasure of her company as more than friends. It's fun to read her outlook on relationships as an asexual woman but also how, a lot of the time, because of her autism, she's not aware of the flirting or possible date that she's on. This is where her friends come in to save the day by both informing her of what's going on and gently teasing at the same time. They all seem really sweet and understanding of taking their time so I'm very interested to see how things progress.
This is another good read from Dahlia Donovan. It's great getting more from this community in a small village in Cornwall, England. It's such a beautiful place that is lovingly described by the author, almost making it hard to think of such crimes occurring there. I even loved the mention of her Cosplay Podcast, another of her series. With how things are left for Motts and the last catching up to her, it's going to be a tantalising wait for the next instalment.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
The mystery plot of this book has you guessing about suspects and reasons behind the murder. Paisley is the daughter of Petunia, who has gone missing recently. She's asked for Motts's help finding her but also seems a little off when talking about anything but then the same can be said about her own boyfriend and her mother's. Interactions to keep you guessing, people and their to confuse you and Motts's thinking to bring you into the thought process of someone with autism. It's a cosy mystery read but things are heating up for Motts as she comes closer to the conclusion of the case but this isn't the only danger that's presenting at the moment. Something from her past is rearing its head and Motts is definitely not ready to deal with that again.
One of my favourite things about this series, apart from Motts herself, is the friends and family that surround her. Vina, Nish, and River are her closest people but since moving to the small village in Cornwall, there's no end of friendships and love from those who only want her to feel comfortable, secure and accepted for who she is. There may also be the slight worry about the trouble she seems to continually find herself in. Amusingly, Motts seems to have three men who would love the pleasure of her company as more than friends. It's fun to read her outlook on relationships as an asexual woman but also how, a lot of the time, because of her autism, she's not aware of the flirting or possible date that she's on. This is where her friends come in to save the day by both informing her of what's going on and gently teasing at the same time. They all seem really sweet and understanding of taking their time so I'm very interested to see how things progress.
This is another good read from Dahlia Donovan. It's great getting more from this community in a small village in Cornwall, England. It's such a beautiful place that is lovingly described by the author, almost making it hard to think of such crimes occurring there. I even loved the mention of her Cosplay Podcast, another of her series. With how things are left for Motts and the last catching up to her, it's going to be a tantalising wait for the next instalment.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
November 2, 2021
Pineapple Mottley, aka Motts, has become one of my favorite amateur sleuths with her supportive friends and family… and Cactus, her spoilt but adorable cardigan-wearing cat. The working mind of Motts is one that is amazing and I love reading about it, she never ceases to amaze me with her train of thought. For someone who literally needs quiet and less stressful life, she seems to end up in some very tricky situations.
New characters are introduced in this story and Beck seems like an interesting one but the jury is still out. 😄 I loved Teo coming back, okay I’ll be honest, he’s my favourite for Motts. Dempsey is lovely too, how does Motts do it, she’s asexual yet attracts partners like nobody’s business! I love it, go Motts.
The snippets of humor throughout the story are really top-notch, they left me chuckling and at times surprised me, I loved how they did that. Honestly, that’s one of the best things about these stories, you never know what’s around the corner. The mystery takes you all over the place trying to piece together bits and pieces and then when all is revealed it’s like, of course! 😆 Then there’s the sinister secondary mystery lurking in the background that really started in the last book but ramped up in this one. Now that I am itching to know more about it.
I literally can’t get enough of these wonderful cozy mysteries and a special mention must go to the crossover link with the characters from her London Podcast Mystery series. Another fantastic series too.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
Instagram
New characters are introduced in this story and Beck seems like an interesting one but the jury is still out. 😄 I loved Teo coming back, okay I’ll be honest, he’s my favourite for Motts. Dempsey is lovely too, how does Motts do it, she’s asexual yet attracts partners like nobody’s business! I love it, go Motts.
The snippets of humor throughout the story are really top-notch, they left me chuckling and at times surprised me, I loved how they did that. Honestly, that’s one of the best things about these stories, you never know what’s around the corner. The mystery takes you all over the place trying to piece together bits and pieces and then when all is revealed it’s like, of course! 😆 Then there’s the sinister secondary mystery lurking in the background that really started in the last book but ramped up in this one. Now that I am itching to know more about it.
I literally can’t get enough of these wonderful cozy mysteries and a special mention must go to the crossover link with the characters from her London Podcast Mystery series. Another fantastic series too.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
November 4, 2021
This is the third book in this series and they must be read in order. Motts has been trying to stay out trouble. Meaning not get involved with any more investigating after what she had been through recently. Then she got a call asking her help investigate the disappearance of the stranger’s mother. Well, how can she say no. Of course, things are going to get interesting. They always do when Motts and the gang are involved. The missing person case quickly turns into a murder case. The suspects begin piling up. Then there is the case of Motts friend from when she was a child. She is learning there aren’t many girls from her year left. He detective friends are concerned that Motts will be the killer’s next target. How many close calls can Motts escape? Motts and her crew are hilarious and wonderful. They are just as interested in solving the crimes as Motts is. They are always there to help her interview someone, search for clues, and help when everything becomes too much. I love Motts and her crew. This series is fantastic and I can’t recommend it enough. I can’t wait for Dahlia’s next book. I recommend all of Dahlia’s books. Great job Dahlia.
November 8, 2021
We started out this story learning about what Motts had done with Moss. What hard decision did she make? What did we learn about Teo? I liked him! Who is Paisley? How and why did she show up unannounced at Motts' home? What did Paisley ask of Motts on that very rainy day? What happened when River drove Motts to meet up with Paisley? Why did Motts think Dempsey was in town? Who is the new inspector? Oh goodness, when Dempsey came by after Paisley has just left, what Dempsey said floored me! Who were Ernest? Who was driving the mysterious pale blue car that kept showing up? What did we learn about Health and Louis? Read and see what narrow escapes Motts finds herself in.
November 4, 2021
3rd book in series and it keeps getting better and better. I couldn't put book down once started.
We join Motts and her friends looking for another killer. But she is also contending with her past too.
Will she find the killer? And will she ever know who killed her friend?
I can't wait for more.
We join Motts and her friends looking for another killer. But she is also contending with her past too.
Will she find the killer? And will she ever know who killed her friend?
I can't wait for more.
November 9, 2021
I really love this series!
December 22, 2022
I just love these so much. Cozy Murder mysteries may be my new favorite genre.
May 8, 2023
I continue to really like this series.
July 28, 2023
4.5 stars
May 7, 2024
The best one so far. Love the addition of a nonbinary character. The writing is more direct and less holes.
November 20, 2021
TLDR: I liked the story but didn't love the unfinished business the story closed on.
https://klishis.com/reading/archives/...
https://klishis.com/reading/archives/...
April 10, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Pickled Petunia is the third Mott's Cold Case cozy mystery by Dahlia Donovan. Released 6th Nov 2021, it's a compact and fast read at 212 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats, it makes it so easy to find info with the search function if needed.
Although it's the third book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info-dumping. The plot moves along at a good pace and the scenery and interaction between the characters are engaging and well written. The characters are -all- quite quirky, several (including the main protagonist) are neurodivergent. That's not a bad thing, but it is noticeable and permeates the whole of the story. One of the things with which main character Mott struggles is serious anxiety. Some of the descriptions of her anxiety episodes are quite heartrending and might potentially be triggering to some readers. I liked that she and her friends help and support one another no matter what.
Mott's friends and her pets (one sphinx cat, one turtle (who is on sabbatical with Mott's parents)) along with Mott herself solve mysteries and gently educate readers on pronoun use, neurodivergence, and genuine friendship. For readers outside of the British Isles, the spelling and vernacular are British English (scooter, chips, crisps), but should pose no difficulty for readers in context. One relatively small quibble though - in the books, the author describes her cat, Cactus, as both male and tortoiseshell. I'm willing to allow that there *are* male tortoiseshell cats, but colour is a sex linked trait on the X chromosome and only really occurs where the cat has an extra X chromosome (Klinefelter's syndrome) and it seemed to me that it would be an odd thing to write into the books without any mention or explanation. Then again, I'm a biology and genetics nerd, so it's probable that most readers won't even notice.
I did enjoy this installment enough to compel me to go seek out the first book in the series. It's also nice to see neurodiversity and positive ethnic diversity and representation in media.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Pickled Petunia is the third Mott's Cold Case cozy mystery by Dahlia Donovan. Released 6th Nov 2021, it's a compact and fast read at 212 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats, it makes it so easy to find info with the search function if needed.
Although it's the third book in the series, it works well enough as a standalone. The author is adept at providing the necessary backstory without info-dumping. The plot moves along at a good pace and the scenery and interaction between the characters are engaging and well written. The characters are -all- quite quirky, several (including the main protagonist) are neurodivergent. That's not a bad thing, but it is noticeable and permeates the whole of the story. One of the things with which main character Mott struggles is serious anxiety. Some of the descriptions of her anxiety episodes are quite heartrending and might potentially be triggering to some readers. I liked that she and her friends help and support one another no matter what.
Mott's friends and her pets (one sphinx cat, one turtle (who is on sabbatical with Mott's parents)) along with Mott herself solve mysteries and gently educate readers on pronoun use, neurodivergence, and genuine friendship. For readers outside of the British Isles, the spelling and vernacular are British English (scooter, chips, crisps), but should pose no difficulty for readers in context. One relatively small quibble though - in the books, the author describes her cat, Cactus, as both male and tortoiseshell. I'm willing to allow that there *are* male tortoiseshell cats, but colour is a sex linked trait on the X chromosome and only really occurs where the cat has an extra X chromosome (Klinefelter's syndrome) and it seemed to me that it would be an odd thing to write into the books without any mention or explanation. Then again, I'm a biology and genetics nerd, so it's probable that most readers won't even notice.
I did enjoy this installment enough to compel me to go seek out the first book in the series. It's also nice to see neurodiversity and positive ethnic diversity and representation in media.
Three and a half stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 7, 2021
OK, it's official, I'm having a love affair with this series, the characters and each book. I somehow missed Book 2 and on finishing Pickled Petunia had to go back and read it. Well Done indeed @DahliaDonovan!
It could all be just too over the top and yet, it's not. It's just charming, thoughtful and intriguing. I love how complicated Pineapple is (aka Motts) She is a delightful person. The loving friends and support of many of the villagers are evident at all times. What would she do without them? Yet some relationships come and go and others never cease to be complicated! Isn't that life?
Then there's the food., and the Sphinx cat.
It really is an enjoyable #cosymystery to boot. I recommend this book and the overall series and am looking forward to reading more about Maggs and her friends going forward
With thanks to #NetGalley, Tangled Tree Publishing and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
It could all be just too over the top and yet, it's not. It's just charming, thoughtful and intriguing. I love how complicated Pineapple is (aka Motts) She is a delightful person. The loving friends and support of many of the villagers are evident at all times. What would she do without them? Yet some relationships come and go and others never cease to be complicated! Isn't that life?
Then there's the food., and the Sphinx cat.
It really is an enjoyable #cosymystery to boot. I recommend this book and the overall series and am looking forward to reading more about Maggs and her friends going forward
With thanks to #NetGalley, Tangled Tree Publishing and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 10, 2021
Dahlia Donovan has helped me discover a love for cozy mysteries. She writes books as comfy and warming as a cup of tea and a blanket by the fire and she douses them with much needed diversity and plenty of mouthwatering snacks. I also credit her with originating my love of lemon curdle, of which I now make a batch whenever another book on the saga is released. I'm very thankful for the moments of calm and relaxation that her books provide and, as a queer woman, for the representation as well. Despite them giving me the fuzzies the books aren't devoid of valuable themes and neither are their characters. She brings to life a very realistic main character with whom a lot of us who are a bit (or a lot) grumpy and socially awkward can relate. Plus, if I may say so, she writes fantastic cats.
November 20, 2021
A big thank you to NetGalley and Tangled Tree Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is the 3rd in a series. I have not read any of this author's previous works. This book reads great as a stand alone. I enjoyed the book. It is sort of hammered home that Motts is autistic, very high functioning. This was a cute cozy mystery. I actually enjoyed Motts straight talk. She has an extremely fantastic support system. i was sort of envious. Truly an enjoyable read. 3 stars
November 9, 2021
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Tangled Tree Publishing and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
What a wonderful cozy mystery series! The perfect addition to an existing series that’s quite enjoyable.
What a wonderful cozy mystery series! The perfect addition to an existing series that’s quite enjoyable.
February 5, 2022
I'm loving this excellent cozy mystery series and this is another great addition. An entertaining and compelling story.
Good storytelling, excellent character development, a solid mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Good storytelling, excellent character development, a solid mystery.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 22, 2022
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A good mystery drama novel. Highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews