Poison in the Pansies

Lovely Lethal Gardens #16

by Dale Mayer

Riches to rags … Chaos has calmed … At least while out on the lake … Until poison is found, blowing up the peace again …

Enjoying a beautiful day on the lake, while Doreen tries her hand at paddleboarding, ends up on an odd note after finding poison in a bed of pansies. She garners a tidbit of information out of her BFF, Corporal Mack Moreau, about a man who’d recently walked into the emergency room, complaining he’d been poisoned.

Only on a threat of good behavior (surely it doesn’t count if given under duress), Doreen agrees to stay out of his case. But, as it happens, the mention of poison to her beloved Nan brings up another recent death and an old woman who’d been saying someone was poisoning her for months. Only no one listened. Now she is dead.

When Doreen’s case and Mack’s collide, she’s delighted, and so is he. Not. But, when Nan decides to join in the sleuthing, with her pal, Richie, it’s Doreen’s turn to worry—and with good reason!

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

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2022

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

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It never fails, Dale Mayer always throws in a twist. I cannot stress enough that this entire series can be read as stand alones. As this series progresses we see Doreen and Mack step a little more into their friendship. If you haven't read the previous books your probably wonder just what the heck they were before hand - acquaintances ? Read the series. As Doreen sticks her nose into Macks case, so does her Nan start sticking her nose into Doreens cold case. The shoe is on the other foot, as she worries about Nan she understands a little more about Macks feelings when she she gets hurt. In Poison in the Pansies, Doreen is the one that finds the poison, when Mack has a case that is linked to Poison and a previous death at Nans retirement center seems to possibly be poison we are off. This case had some twists I didn't see coming, and one I did. They say money and jealousy are the two main causes of murder and when the culprits come to light in this one I was a little dismayed. One thing that comes to mind in each book is Doreens neighbor Richard, anyone else wonder what is up with him? Will he be friend, or foe? I enjoy this series, its a true cozy mystery in every book with family and friendship an underlining thread. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

After paddleboarding Doreen and Mack are having a picnic lunch on the beach when Doreen notices that there are a bunch of dead flowers in the flowerbed. Mack comes to look and finds a box of Rat Poison. Doreen jokes about someone dying from poison, and when Mack doesn’t answer, she realizes someone must have recently died from poison. Mack doesn’t let Doreen get involved in his active police cases, but she finds a way around this when she finds out that someone who supposedly died of natural causes had claimed to be poisoned. Doreen decides to investigate and see if it might be related to Mack’s case. While these books are whimsical murder mysteries, the best part of these books are the characters. Doreen is known for her pet dog, cat and Parakeet that are always with her. Then there is Mack he has been her friend since she moved to Kelowna teaching her how to cook and helping her any way he can. There is also Nan, who gave her the house and provided antique furniture and designer clothes that she could sell to make money. If you read this series, you will love getting to know all of them.

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

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful entry in this keep you guessing and laughing series. It was as always, great fun to get caught up in another exciting case with Doreen, Mack, Nan, Goliath, Mugs and Thaddeus. The writing here is skillful, and the story and characters are smartly constructed. Charming, funny, suspenseful, emotional and dramatic, this book/series is a real pleasure and a true delight! I am freely posting a frank review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is out on the lake and she has been told not to investigate anymore crimes scenes. She find poison in the garden and a man is complaining he has been poisoned but no one is listening. Her Nan will get involved and he will not be happy she is investigating another crime. What will happen when her Nan gets involved? Can she finds what has happened? How will it all go? See if she finds the truth

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

[Dita · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW//CW death, murder, violence

As you know by now, I'm a huge fan of Doreen and her fur babies, so of course I was excited with this one and knowing the relationship between Mack and Doreen is growing with each book I got more excited and this book totally delivered, the romance is sweet although it's a baby step, but it does put a big smile on my face, I just adore and so invested in this couple.

As for mystery part. This time it's a poisoning cases and one of them is related to Nan, yup our beloved Nan is trying to join Doreen to solve this case, and as I was expected it's chaotic and full of fun. As always, there's action from those wonderful fur babies which I've expected.

Loveable characters, cozy easy-to-read mystery, cute animals companion, sweet slow-burn romance, definitely a highly recommended cozy mystery read.

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

Such a cute wacky series, the animals steal the show every time. Doreen is loveable and always in trouble, she solves crimes just by being chatty. Mack the local cop to her rescue as usual, actually the animals usually have it under control.
Each story stands alone but you'll miss the character growth if you don't go back to the beginning.
This story as usual was such a pleasure to read.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick mystery with Mack, Doreen and the kids 😂😂 I mean menagerie. Finding some poison in the posies at a public park while out paddle boarding,Mack connects it to a current case of a recent poisoning. Soon Doreen connects that to a possible cold case and the race is off to solve the murders.

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixteenth book in Dale Mayer's cosy "Lovely Lethal Gardens" series, they are all wonderful, tongue in cheek stories.
Doreen Montgomery is trying hard to divorce her ultra wealthy, cheating husband, she has no money and no skills including domestic skills. She is living in Kelowna in a house given to her by her Nan. Corporal Mack Moreau had become Doreen's best friend and is obviously in love with her but nothing could come of this until Doreen's divorce is finalised and Doreen is able to move on with her life.
Much to long suffering Mack's frustration, Doreen found that she did have one skill.........weeding out information and she had built up quite a reputation as an armature sleuth and solving cold cases.
When on a rare day out at the lake, Doreen and Mack come across a box of rat poison it was to be the start of a whole new convoluted story, a current murder mystery for Mack to solve and a cold one for Doreen, both murders are entwinned but who was the murderer ?
Rosemore is the nursing home where Doreen's, slightly eccentric, interfering but wonderfully funny Nan lives, she and her friend Ritchie become involved with "helping" Doreen track down the murderer of one of the residents, although this is a serious subject there are also hilarious moments and Nan and Ritchie make a delightful duo.
Doreen is a likable, slightly wacky character who goes everywhere with her menagerie of wonderful pets, Goliath the cat, Mugs the Basset hound and Thaddeus the quirky talking parrot. I love this series, i love the closeness and the interaction between Doreen and Mack and look forward to the next book.

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

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Mack is winning Doreen round and they are getting closer and there is more understanding between them, talking and really getting to know each other. Even some teasing and fun. He was really supportive in this when it was needed. Doreen just can't help but get caught up in mayhem of some sort but I believe she actually gets this from Nan, because this time around it isn't really Doreen that starts it all. Tense at times, suspenseful? oh yes it has that in spades. But there were some nice close sweet moments mixed in with all the tearing all over the place and questions. It was lovely to get more of the love and bond her and Nan share, even the one with Mack is becoming much stronger. Plus the animals, well they are always a perfect joy to read about and they did their jobs at the right times. I shall wait now impatiently for the next in this series, not that I ever want the series to end but yes I do need to continue with more of these characters. Gripping, interesting, exciting and even a little fun had me cursing life and having to go to work and put this down, it got picked back up the minute I got home, after all who needs dinner when you have a book to finish. Wonderful and crazy all mixed up in a puzzle, fabulous. Started 6/1/22 Finished 7/1/22

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

While out paddleboarding, Doreen and Mack see a box of rat poison nestled in amongst the pansies on the beach. Mack calls it in for someone to come investigate. One of the latest deaths Mack is working on involves a possible poisoning across town. This, of course, peeks Doreen's curiosity and she starts to put the clues in place. While talking it over with Nan she discovers that a recent death at the retirement home was of a woman who had been going around saying she has was being poisoned. And then Nan gets conked on the head. Someone doesn't want Doreen to be looking into the case. So Doreen and her animals are off on the case. There doesn't appear to be a connection between all of this, but who knows what further investigation will show. There is also something suspicious going on where Doreen takes her unneeded clothing to sell. This will most likely be a new investigation. And lo and behold, Mack and Doreen are advancing to some serious hugs. And, on the side, Doreen's ex-husband is still holding out not wanting to give Doreen anything, much less half of his holdings. More excitement to look forward to.

[Herluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alors que Doreen profite d’un après-midi tranquille sur la plage en compagnie de Mack, elle découvre du poison dans des pensées, de la mort aux rats pour être plus exact. Mack lui indique qu’un jeune homme est mort quelques jours plus tôt et qu’il disait qu’il avait été empoissonné. Par la suite, elle apprend de Nan, sa grand-mère, qu’une vieille dame est morte quelques mois plus tôt et elle aussi racontait qu’elle avait été empoisonnée. Doreen décide d’enquêter sur cette mort, et si cela avait un lien avec sa découverte sur la plage et avec l’enquête de Mack.

Seizième tome bien sympathique, j’ai pris plaisir à retrouver Doreen, Mack et ses animaux après une petite coupure de quelques jours. L’enquête de ce tome était vraiment bien ficelée et j’avoue que pour une fois j’avais trouvé une partie de l’énigme, mais pas tout, du coup, j’ai bien été surprise lors de sa résolution.

En parallèle, nous continuons à suivre l’avancée de la relation entre Mack et Doreen qui se fait tout doucement, mais je les trouve vraiment adorables.

Maintenant, je n’ai plus qu’à attendre septembre pour pouvoir connaître la suite des enquêtes de Doreen.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aside from the prologue of this book setting up the title and crime, it also shows a real fun date with Mac, Doreen, Thaddeus, Goliath and Mugs.

Unfortunately, shortly after Max gets called to work, leaving Doreen more than a little curious.

The ever-vocal Thaddeous is getting more so, picking up new words, phrases and even mannerisms. This is amusing for the reader and annoying for Doreen, especially the he-he-he-he.

I also love when Mac comes over and fixes dinner, this time veggies and steak on the barbeque.

So the current case Mac is working on is a poisoning, and as it turns out Nan knows of someone at the home who believes she was being poisoned too. Unfortunately, no one believed her.

Lots of intertwining of these cases as Doreen finds out about Mac's case as well as her own.

I totally love the dynamic between these two and of course the animals are the best pets ever!

[Char Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We join Doreen and her quirky pets as they try and find out if a friend of her nans was poisoned and if so by who.As Mack and Doreen are in the water at the beach Mack is trying to teach Doreen how to paddle board.Doreen keeps falling in the water as Mack can't help but laugh.He says lets go on shore an he surprises her with a picnic.As they enjoy their day.Doreen goes to the restroom on the way back she goes for a walk in the garden.She sees a bunch of pansies dying.And there is a white substance around the pansies.She tells Mack an he finds a box saying rat poison.he says someone will come and get it.Doreen is getting bored an Mack has a new case but won't tell her about it.she goes an visits Nan and starts on a quest to find out if her friend was poisoned.there are so many twists and turns you'll be riveted until the very last page an leave you begging for more.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poison in the Pansies by Dale Mayer
Lovely Lethal Gardens Series Book Sixteen
Doreen Montgomery doesn’t get much time to herself for being unemployed. She just finished another case…for free, of course, but at least she was helping find justice. After finding poison in the pansies when at the beach with Mack, and a man dying after saying he was poisoned, Nan sent Doreen down another path. A woman had died some months back at Rosemoor. A common thing since it’s an old folks’ home, but she had kept saying she’d been poisoned.
The woman was known for saying off the wall things, but after a series of events, Doreen started looking at things a little more seriously. Too bad keeping herself busy didn’t keep her out of trouble.
A cute cozy mystery series with three adorable critters that add to the story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Meg Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only Doreen can find danger while having fun at the beach. So the pansies are looking wilted on shore and for good reason. With her ever faithful companions, her grandmother Nan and another adventure, what else could you ask for? I'm beginning to wonder if anyone in this town is not involved in a dangerous activity of some sort. The ongoing divorce provides a mystery of it's own. Her constant need for money, her love of coffee, her walks with the three most interesting pets and the newest concern about her friend at the consignment shop are only part of what make this an excellent read! Doreen can be annoying, selfish, generous and endearing all at the same time making me look forward to her next adventure!

[Rachael Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books are building a lovely colourful show on my bookcase. I really can’t get enough of this series. You have Doreen, the quite naive on her own woman who has a knack for solving the unsolvable cases, Mack, the strapping policeman who is an on going love interest and then there are the animals. The ever faithful Mugs, the not to bothered Goliath and who can forget Thaddeus, the sweet bird whose words seems to get better as the stories go on. And Nan. (Needs no words). Pansys, poison and a couple of dead body are the order of the day and the complex solving of three crimes. Love these stories and Doreen, Mack, Nan and the animals make this story so awesome. I can’t wait for the next one and see where their relationship takes them.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mack doesn't want Doreen anywhere near active cases so much to his dismay her Nan provides her with a potential cold case and while they may both involve poisoning do they really? I have to say I really wish Nan and Richie had taken head of Doreen's wish for them to keep things on the downlow and I am sure I got a new grey hair when Doreen found Nan after Thaddeus, Mugs and Goliath lost it and headed to Rosemoor. This one definitely hit home more with what happened Nan and then the frustration of trying to work out how an older lady and a young man's death could be linked, thank gawd Doreen is on the case to get to the truth!

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I the being of this book I thought it felt lighter then the previous ones. Doreen is still waiting for her divorce and is running out of money. All the animals are well, Mack and Doreen actually hug each other and Nan seems to have a steady boyfriend. Things start to change when Doreen spots a bare spot where there are pansies planted and it has box sticking out of the dirt. Mack takes a look and calls for someone to come pickup a box of rat poison. Just so happens Mack has a new case and the victim was poisoned.

Another great story with a great ending.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this story . Doreen and her critters , Mugs , Thaddeus and Goliath are spending the day with Mack but soon it is interrupted . Doreen comes across rat poison in a bed of pansies of course that sets off a not so cold case for Doreen and Mack will have his hands full getting to the bottom of things and keeping Doreen safe . This story is so entertaining and the characters are unique and delightful. I love this series . I look forward to each and every story . I highly recommend taking the time to read .

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

[Debbiebooknerdyoung · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is definitely one of my favourites by Dale Mayer!
Doreen and the animals, along with Nan and Mack, are just so much fun to read about hahaha.
I keep waiting for Mack and Doreen to become a couple (fingers crossed).
Doreen always finds herself in some kind of precarious position, solving the dangerous cold cases, and now the current cases, but she always manages to come through in mostly one piece. Nan is getting more involved in the cases now, and doesn't seem to be gambling as much .
A great way to spend an evening.. reading this novel was too much fun!

[Irene S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen is back meddling in one of Corporal Mack Moreau's cases. When Doreen finds a rat poison box in the pansies and hears of a suspected poisoning death, her interest is piqued. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I love seeing how Doreen can't stop meddling in Mack's cases and how she pulls the threads of a mystery together. I also really like seeing how Doreen and Mack are growing closer. As usual, Doreen's pets add so much to the story as well as keep her safe.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Lovely Lethal Gardens series that continues to get better with each new installment as gardener and amateur sleuth Doreen Montgomery and her dog, cat and parrot solve crimes in lovely Kelowna, British Colombia. I enjoy her dynamic with the other characters especially her Nan and BFF Corporal Mack Moreau as their relationship strengthens. Ms. Mayer never disappoints whatsoever so do yourself a favor and read Poison in the Pansies for an afternoon or evening of reading enjoyment. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poison in the Pansies

WOW! Dale has done it again! Doreen finds far poison in a bed of pansies and she learns that a man died from the day poison as did her Nan's friend. Doreen cannot let it go, especially when her Nan is attacked. As always when Doreen finally solves the two cases, the animals come to her rescue before Mack reaches her. Doreen was saved from being injured when the animals came to her defense. Glad she is finally realizing that she has a special relationship with Mack. FANTASTIC job Dale! I would highly recommend this book!

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series rates 100+ stars.

This was an intense mystery! So happy Mugs, Goliath, and Thaddeus were more active in the story line. There were a couple of mysteries that they were hardly mentioned at all. I found this to be fantastic mystery. Had me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I'm spacing each of the books a little apart so the series lasts longer for me. Hopefully after this is at an end the author will find a way to continue with all these wonderful characters. Especially Thaddeus, Goliath and Mugs! I love this series!!!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen just happens to stumbles upon a case of poisoning that Mack is working and then finds out that someone at Rosemore may also have been poisoned. As she and Mack work the two cases their relationship continues to grow and the danger abounds. Doreen is absolutely one of my favorite book characters ever. She is witty, smart and charming and her animal sidekicks always seem to save the day. Absolutely love this series. I volunteered to read this book via Booksprout.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I'm absolutely loving this series, fast-paced and always filled with drama and mayhem. Doreen and our favorite trio of animals are on a mission to solve the Poison in the Pansies case, Doreen and Mack find some rat poison in a public park and when a couple people die suspiciously Doreen immediately thinks of the poison... wonderful story, I love both Doreen and Mack, so happy they are getting closer to admitting their feelings for each other.

[Melissa Swafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series is so much fun. The characters interact the same as real people would and manage to entertain as well. The scenes between Doreen and Mack are heating up, so Nick better get a. move on. Doreen is hilarious when it is her turn to lay down the law to protect Nan. Another wonderful addition.

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

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to take things slowly, have a chance to recharge, Doreen and Mack take time for some water fun. All child's pay right no.. Looking at a dead plant in the public park starts off a cold case which is also connected to a new murder takes us on a wild journey. Doreen and Mack's personal life starts to moved forward but her past is still; holding her back. A lovely touching story. Can not wait for the next story in this series.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ongoing story of Doreen and wing animals Thaddeus, Goliath, and Mugs. A story for all ages and many appeals -- a friendship edging into a gentle romance, a mystery, and the growth of Doreen. Threats arising to some of our beloved characters. I love the warmth and love found within pages. Almost as much as the antics of the wing animals.

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

[Leslie B Mink · Rating 5 out of 5]

like her other «  lethal » books, Ms. Mayer has created a piece that is joyful to read and an excellent mystery.

I find each of this series bring joy into my life and I wander the tales in Ms. Mayer’s books.

Poor Doreen is broke, as usual, but someone is poisoning residents of Rosemoor. The animals save the day by guiding Doreen, Mark and the entire family police force.

A nice read to relax with!