Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor

A Desert Flowers Mystery #4

by Lee Hollis

Private Investigator Poppy Harmon can see through the charms of Southern California's trickiest criminals. But when she and the Desert Flowers Detective Agency go up against a dashing dating show killer, they may have finally met their match! While sidekick Matt Flowers shoots a film abroad, Poppy dusts off her own acting chops to break up a Gen Z crime ring targeting seniors in Palm Springs. Tanya Cook and her gal pals have been swindling susceptible residents for all they're worth--until the gang meets Poppy undercover. Yet with the case cracked, the desert heat is on full blast as new terrors take the lead . . . Poppy's already sweating over a menacing mystery stalker when a shocking death proves she's in serious danger. As suspicions fall once again on Tanya, finding answers may mean pulling off the most challenging performance of her career . . . Now, with Poppy's unknown stalker rumored to be posing as one of several bachelors on a glitzy reality series, a disguised Poppy must reveal his true identity on set before he realizes hers. Does Poppy have what it takes to catch the cold-blooded killer in time for the season finale . . . or should she start planning for her funeral?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2022

About the author

Lee Hollis is the pen name for Rick Copp and his sister Holly Simason.

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy and the Desert Flowers Detective Agency have just successfully completed a case where the baddies were targeting the elderly and robbing them out of house and home. Then strange people start appearing in Poppy's life and strange things start happening. It appears that this gang that Poppy and the Desert Flowers has just put behind bars has a long reach and Poppy is in danger.

Poppy is tenacious and when things blow up in Palm Springs, she and Matt follow a lead that lands Matt on a reality "Bachelor" TV show with a cold-blooded killer also in the cast. Again, Poppy dons a very convincing disguise and she and Matt ferret out the murderer, but not before Matt loses his heart to the lovely Bachelorette. 3 1/2-Stars

My thanks to Kensington, Publisher, and Lee Hollis, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This is a kindle e-book from the local library book four of a five book series.

Poppy and the Desert Flowers 💐 detective agency are undercover at an estate as a old woman 🚺 need help. The help turns out too be thieves which are arrested, charged, and send to prison. Then bad things start happening with a woman 🚺 who borrowed her car 🚗 being run off the road and killed. Poppy stays undercover which leads to the truth and arrest of the killer.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic comedy mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡💘🏡

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

POPPY HARMON AND THE BACKSTABBING BACHELOR
Lee Hollis

My second Poppy Harmon and the Desert Flowers Investigations Agency book and I have to say that this was as satisfying as the first. This is actually the 4th book in the series, I have yet to read one and two, but intend to get there.

I love Poppy and the group. They are full of beans and ready to go. A group of young people is out to screw the elderly and Poppy and the gang is on the job! Lots of fun and enough twist to hold your attention.

4 stars

Happy Reading!

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a group of young people targeting the elderly and Poppy wants to stop them so she goes undercover to do just that. Poppy is able to catch the young women red handed and is happy to testify against them in court. The ring leader, Tanya Cook, wants to get Poppy for what she has done. The scammers have been caught and prosecuted so things should go back to normal right? Poppy soon realizes she has a stalker who will stop at nothing to see her dead. She soon learns that her stalker is to be part of a new reality show so she gets herself in a position to find out just who this deadly person is. Follow along as Poppy uses all of her know how to find a killer or will the killer get to her first?

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th instalment in the Desert Flowers Mystery series and my 2nd. Poppy Harmon is a private investigator who set herself up in business when her fourth husband died after he spent their fortune. A socialite and retired actress, she runs the Desert Flowers Detective Agency along with friends, Iris and Violet in Palm Springs. In this cozy tale, Poppy and her friends root out the culprits when the elderly in a retirement community are being scammed and swindled, but this leads to a further course of events...

Poppy takes action along with Iris and Violet; Matt, who is the head sleuth and also her daughter's ex-boyfriend is away shooting a film abroad but returns later. The characters are very engaging, their presence jumping from the pages and Lee Hollis, a gifted storyteller, gives me everything I desire from a fantastic cozy mystery making it really easy to escape right into the compelling, richly satirical story. Poppy, Violet, and Iris are vibrant women in their 60s and I adored their liveliness, interaction and their supportiveness for each other. The mystery itself was intriguing and chock-a-block with red herrings and suspects that kept me guessing. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor and I can't wait to read the first in the series, Poppy Harmon Investigates.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy and the Desert Flowers Detective Agency are back at it, trying to catch a group of thieves who swindle seniors. While the ladies solve the case, another threat against Poppy makes it obvious someone has it out for her. Now, it's time to figure out who is behind the organization and wants Poppy out of the way.

As always, Poppy and the Desert Flowers ladies mystery was full of humor, action and friendship. I love the way the characters are written with spunk and "moxie". With all the "twists and turns" and "red herrings", I couldn't figure out "whodunit" . It's another winner in the series!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun adventure with the Desert Flowers! This series has just the right amount of humor, tension, and drama, keeping your attention the entire time. I love that Poppy and her friends are all older, giving them the advantage over their opponents and changing stereotypes at the same time. The story was well paced and the writing flowed smoothly. Highly recommended!

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books... it's a combo of Remington Steele and the Golden Girls!

[Mac Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy Harmon and her partners in the Desert Flowers detective agency have just wrapped up a sting operation to shut down a group of faux caregivers who are helping themselves to their clients valuables. They have very little time to celebrate, for soon, Poppy finds herself the target of someone who wants to do her harm. Is it payback from the crooks she just put away? Maybe it's a former frenemy who has just shown up in town. Or could it be linked to a reality show shooting nearby?

Lee Hollis strikes a nice balance between suspense and fun that kept me turning the page and guessing until the end.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fast becoming one of my all-time favorites! I love the cast of characters so much! This one kept me guessing and had me laughing out loud many times throughout.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lee Hollis returns with the fourth installment of the Desert Flowers Mystery series. Once again, Poppy finds herself in some hot water when she comes face-to-face with a dating show killer. The concept of this book is definitely a unique one that I haven’t seen before, especially in a Cozy Mystery so that was interesting to read about.

However, I do find myself struggling to connect with some of the themes or even Poppy herself throughout the book sometimes. Since this series is targeted to older audiences, I guess I should’ve seen that coming. But since I’m such a big fan of Lee Hollis’s other series, I didn’t want to miss out.

That being said, I do feel like there’s an age gap for me as a reader. I can’t always relate, which disappoints me. However, that’s not to say that other readers won’t enjoy it. Just know that Poppy’s generation does play a big role in this series and the author enjoys exploring that. It’s always nice to see different age groups getting featured in novels like this.

Apart from that, I do think that the mystery and the rest of the writing is well done. Like I said, I’m a big fan of Hollis’s writing style, so there’s no question that this book was also written well.

While not my favorite series from this author, I do enjoy the charming cast of characters. The unique backdrop and generation definitely stands out amongst the sea of other Cozy Mysteries. So if you’re looking for something a tad different than what’s out there, then I would definitely check this series out.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt the tense, uneasy feeling Poppy Harmon felt as her stalker began to track and stalk her by any means possible. Author Lee Hollis did an excellent job putting readers into her shoes as she began to look over her shoulders and wonder what each phone call or message would bring. Poppy's strength of character, however, shines forth as she is determined to go about her life on her own terms, not the stalker's. True, I also felt like she made a few unwise choices, like not getting out of town with her boyfriend when he almost begged her to go with him, but, hey, this is a cozy mystery. Putting the main character in danger is all part of the fun, right?

Although this is the fourth in the Desert Flowers Mystery series, I'd never ventured into Poppy's world despite reading several Hollis books. I liked Poppy and her friends and admired her willingness to do whatever was necessary to bring down the bad guy. Speaking of the bad guy, Hollis kept me guessing until the big reveal. I won't detail the plot as I'm sure it's detailed many times over elsewhere but found it interesting and timely. Readers beware, however, if you honestly believe reality shows are, well, real. You get a bit of a behind the scenes look at how they are scripted, er, developed. Poor Matt. As noted, Hollis created the atmosphere to make me keep flipping pages as the story moved along nicely. I'll definitely be making up for missing the earlier books of this series asap.

Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for introducing me to Poppy. I'm looking forward to seeing what her next challenging performance will be.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor by Lee Hollis is a totally entertaining cozy mystery featuring a private investigator of a certain age, and her cohorts: two other woman and one young, hot, male actor. Their latest case had been capturing a trio of women who were moving in on elderly patients and taking them for all they had. One resented it and came to Desert Flowers Detective Agency for redress. After testifying and sending the women to jail, Poppy found herself in peril, presumably from a partner in these crimes. It became imperative to capture him/them when Poppy loaned her car to a neighbor and that neighbor was run off the road and killed. The found the man's abandoned apartment and, side from a parcel of forged IDs, they discovered he had a "crush" on a young woman who was currently preparing to start in a television program along the lines of "The Bachelor." They had to catch him and save her.

Poppy is a totally entertaining heroine who NEVER lets anything go, so it is necessary to not get on the wrong side of her. As an actress in a previous life, she knows plenty of people, has considerable acting talent, and knows her way around theatrical makeup. She is fearless and clever. She totally trades on her age (60ish) but will never cop to being anything but young and beautiful. Her friends, Violet and Iris, are not nearly as outgoing as Poppy, but every bit as clever as they keep the home fires burning and do the research while she is in the field. This is a fabulous series.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor by Kensington, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #kensington #poppyharmonandthebackstabbingbachelor #leeellis

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably the best of the series so far. Poor Matt just can’t catch a break, just when his career is looking up his live life… well read to find out. The series had gotten better, the characters are improving, the mysteries still fun and intriguing with so many twists, turns and red herrings.

[Nadine Augustyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the characters in the series. I like the premise of this series. But I didn’t like this story. It felt like two plots squished together, choppy and a bit disheveled. I will absolutely continue reading this series.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Poppy Harmon book which I received from NetGalley. I had heard a lot about these books on my discord group and thought I would give it a try. I'm so happy I did. I thoroughly enjoyed everything anoug it from the characters to the storyline. I guessed a couple of the red herrings but did not guess who the murderer was at the end. I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series in the future.

[Marlene Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading a fun mystery with more mature (ok, older) main characters.

[Sheena Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Poppy is such a lovable character who makes the reader want to follow along with her sleuthing adventures. I was kept guessing right to the end for who could be the culprit! A great fun cozy mystery!

[Chad Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. I detect a review on its way....

Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor is a charming mystery featuring a retired actress from the 1980s who now works as a private detective in Palm Springs. This is the fourth book in the Poppy Harmon series, but the first that I have read.

This is a fun cozy mystery that moves along at a brisk pace. Poppy and her cohorts Violet and Iris take down a ring of criminals who are bilking older individuals out of their money. This sets off a chain of events that leads to a murder, mayhem, and a reality dating show.

Poppy is an energetic and forceful character and she makes for a great point of view character for the mystery. She leads the reader through a tale full of twists, turns, and mistaken identities.

This was a fun read!

[T K Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh how I wanted to love this as much as the previous books in the series. Sadly, even though this was good, it’s nowhere near as good as the first three.

Clearly Poppy is the main character but with the plotting of this story the author has mostly forgotten her supporting characters. Matt doesn’t show up in person until halfway through the book. Iris and Violet perform the occasional task as agency operatives but have very limited contributions. Young tech wizard, Wyatt, has a more prominent role than the members of the Desert Flowers Agency. And Poppy doesn’t deserve Sam. Maybe it’s a male author writing what he assumes is a “strong, independent” female character but her sniping remarks and complete disregard for Sam’s concerns don’t come off as endearing or humorous.

The first of the book seemed disjointed. The agency breaks up a group stealing elderly people’s valuables. After that there’s stalking, mistaken identity murder, whistling of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, trial testimony, an ugly designer dress, a lot of air conditioning problems and a faked death. At the halfway point, the book finally gets a bit cohesive. Matt and Polly go undercover at a reality show, a la The Bachelorette. If the reader actually believes “reality” tv is real this may be the part of the story they have trouble with. The part I found inconceivable was Polly being undercover as elderly Aunt Bea. Yet the professional film crew never saw through her ‘old lady’ make-up? And the whole premise of the second half is based on her being accepted as Aunt Bea. It was too much for me.

Hoping there’s a book five in the works and it’s back to the 5-star quality of the previous. This concept and group of characters is too good to squander.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy and her Desert Flowers friends brought down a ring that was scamming seniors, but Poppy was gonna need to watch her back after the perp yelled threats at her. After a couple near misses, Poppy and the police came up wit a pretty awesome scheme.

With Matt out of the country, the ladies were doing pretty well on their own as far as senior citizens wanting to hire them. He might've been the handsome face like Charlie being the man behind the Angels, but these ladies didn't need anyone to take care of them, lol. Although as their friend and coworker, I think they missed him a lot! He was practically like a son to Poppy, but she'd always told him not to let their little acting gig (where he pretends to be the lead investigator) take precedence over a movie if he could get in one. Poppy got to test out her disguise and acting skills while Matt went on a reality show to flush out a killer.

Boy what a showdown with Poppy not having much time to think about whether she was brave or not. She just had to do something quickly for someone she loved. Finally the annoying killer was hauled away, and Poppy could have her stalker-free sanity back while enjoying some time with her sweet guy Sam.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series [that I started simply because I got this book from NG] much more than I expected. It has been very refreshing to read about older women who are not ready to just roll up and die and decide to do something about it. Poppy is a great MC and I really love how Matt has gone from a token character to a genuine friend to the women and how they all work together to solve crime.

This time around, it gets very personal and they have to work really hard and go deep undercover to save not only the agency, but the very life of Poppy Harmon.

This is a excellent series [with an fantastic narrator - I highly recommend listening to these books] and I really hope there will be more forthcoming.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lee Hollis, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeneane Vanderhoof · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy Harmon is back and this time, when she breaks up a crime ring that is targeting Gen Z’s, Poppy, herself, becomes the target, having angered the group behind the crimes. Things end up getting so bad for Poppy that when a bomb that should have destroyed her, ends up a dud, Poppy must fake her own death, to find out who was sent after her, in the fourth, newest, installment of The Desert Flowers Mystery series called Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor. I must admit, Lee Hollis only gets better and better, with each new escapade developed for the older sleuth and her Golden gal assistants. Because, when the unknown culprit is known to be part of a new reality show that casts several bachelors looking for love, Poppy must find her way into the mansion where the show is being shot.

And although Matt is shooting a film abroad, his popularity as an actor, growing; when his favorite woman is in need, he comes as quickly as possible. But, with Poppy technically dead, how will she be able to investigate? The fact Poppy was once a fairly big star herself in the eighties becomes a big boon as she makes herself up, disguising herself as older than she already is. After all, though people love older individuals, they never really pay all that much attention to them and Poppy’s character, Aunt Bea, all the while being a big “hoot” is basically ignored.

When Matt is cast as one of the bachelor contestants on the reality show, he must win the heart of an up and coming actress, so that the two can find out who the man behind Poppy’s murder was (technically, is, since she is still alive but, that remains a secret as there was a funeral and grave, until the crime is solved and Poppy, safe). So Matt and Aunt Bea, his “dating advisor” (each contestant is allowed one) must make it through all the reality show jargon and BS, all while giving the actress what she wants, to stay in the game, stay in the mansion, and continue to investigate the other contestants.

It is not until Poppy/ Aunt Bea realizes that the man she loves like a son, Matt, may really be falling in love, that she realizes, for the first time, that she and he are really, for the first time, in real danger. Not long ago, after Poppy’s daughter broke up with Matt, he was heartbroken and there was nothing Poppy could do. She does not want to see that happen to Matt again. Especially since he may be losing his heart, falling in love with a woman who, in the end, may not even choose to be with him. And there is no way Poppy wants to see that happen. Again.

So, as the show goes on, Poppy and Matt must find out which contestant “murdered” Poppy, all while making Matt the winner of the reality show, the prize being the new woman that has captured his heart (along with Poppy, who was already in there). Lee Hollis has managed to do it again, creating a cozy mystery that is golden, best of the best, delivering warmth and light humor with his Golden Girl ways. After all, he did write for the Golden Girls, long ago.

Happy Reading!

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy Harmon and the Desert Flowers go undercover to catch a group of thieves who have been masquerading as home health workers in order to gain entry into the homes of vulnerable seniors. When she helps Detective Jordan catch the women in the act, Poppy finds herself in the crosshairs. After a fatal car accident and a bombing, Poppy and her crew track the vengeful boyfriend of the ringleader to a reality TV bachelor show. They know the killer is there, but who is he?

I absolutely love Lee Hollis and read everything he writes. Poppy Harmon is a fun character, she's been on top and she's been at the bottom and she's clawing her way back up despite others trying to stop her. I love her feistiness and her smarts. Iris and Violet are funny and Matt is really sweet. His devotion to the ladies and their love for him is very charming.

The author has experience in the television and film industries, which he brings into the books in this series. I find that really interesting. It's fun to read about the behind the scenes aspects of the TV and movie business. It's especially nice to read about sizzling California desert temperatures while I'm freezing my fanny off in the Midwest!

Anyone who is a fan of cozy mysteries definitely needs to add Lee Hollis to their list of authors to follow.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: It is always entertaining when Poppy and the other members of the Desert Flowers Detective Agency is on the job. It starts off deep undercover for Poppy as she brings down a gang of scammers who are preying on older people. Once the gang is in handcuffs, she thinks the job is done. The danger is only beginning.

After two attempts on her life from an unknown assailant, she realizes there is a very demented master mind who is out for revenge. In her investigation she discovers that the killer is obsessed with a young woman who is about to star in a new reality series. Once more Poppy goes undercover along with Matt as he competes to be the winner of the woman’s hand. But unexpected things happen and by the time Poppy figures out who the villain is she is once again in his crosshairs and he does not intend to miss again.

Great characters, good solid story and enough twists to satisfy any reader. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Ann Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor is another book in the A Desert Flowers Mystery series. Poppy is a retired actress, in her 60s, who now owns the Desert Flowers Detective Agency. Because of concerns that her age will scare off clients, she has an actor, "Matt Flowers", hired to front the agency. It reminds me of the Remington Steele program. Poppy fears that she is being stalked after she helped in the arrest of a home health aide in a murder. She and her colleagues discover the name of the stalker who did murder Poppy's neighbor thinking that it was her. After finding a picture of a young actress in his apartment, they suspect the stalker might also be after her, too. So, Matt goes undercover on the actress's reality TV show "My Dream Man" to try to catch the stalker/killer. This is a wonderful series in which, other than Matt, Poppy's 2 colleagues are her very good "senior" women friends! I am so glad there will be a 5th book.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the fourth book of the Desert Flowers Mystery series. This series keeps getting better and better. In this book, a group of young people are robbing the elderly. Poppy and the Desert Flowers Detective agency are on the job as Poppy goes undercover at an estate as an old woman who needs help. Then, strange things start happening when a woman who borrows her car is run off the road and killed. Poppy stays undercover, which leads to the arrest of the killer. I thought this story was great. It was funny, and I really liked the characters. I thought Poppy, Violet, and Iris were great characters. They were funny, and their friendship is so great to read. I also thought Matt was a great character as well. He might be an actor, but his personality was great as well. I thought the ending was great. I cannot wait to read book 5 - Poppy Harmon and the Shooting Star. Overall, a great read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poppy, Iris and Violet are the ladies of the Desert Flowers and they are in fine form. They are investigating a group taking advantage of senior citizens by working as home health care workers to get into their homes and rip them off. When the case is wrapped up...is it really done? Poppy discovers she has a stalker which leads Poppy to a reality dating show. Murder is involved but will Poppy be able to keep it from happening to her? There isn't a dull moment in this mystery.
I have enjoyed each book in this series and Poppy, Iris and Violet are mature characters who are full of spunk. The humor is often laugh out loud funny and the mysteries are well plotted, full of misdirection.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poppy Harmon and the Backstabbing Bachelor is the fourth installment in A Desert Flowers Mystery series by Lee Hollis.

This series has quickly become one of my favorite series that I always eagerly wait for. Now it feels like getting together with old friends.
Characters are delightful, funny and completely likeable. I appreciate how thay develop and grow with each book. I wish that Poppy's female sidekicks would get a bit more space and attention, because they are hillarious in their own right.
The mystery was well plotted and executed. There were several twists and turns. Even though the ending didn't come as a shock I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
I also highly admire the humorous bits and pieces woven in every book.
I highly recommend it to all mystery lovers.