Handcuffs in the Heather

A lovely outing. Even though there is murder, prostitution, this is truly an enjoyable cozy mystery which also brings some light on the homeless. To me when a cozy mystery still has tidbits of real issues in the world it is due some kudos. Doreen is still looking for closure on the last case, after all they found bodies when she stumbles onto this one. She also makes some real headway on her own garden and plans are starting to become a reality. Mac (the police detective ) tosses out an innuendo here and there that made me laugh and Doreen blush. We see Nan (her grandma) and of course her pets, Goliath (cat) Mugs (the dog) and Thadeus (the bird) as they are part of Doreen's life. I smiled when Doreen thought how nice it was waking up to her pets instead of her ex. Speaking of the ex Macs brother (who we still havent met) sent some info Doreen's way. I couldn't get passed her saying Handcuffs in they Hyacinthia - and then that's what she finds in the Heather. Except for that I loved this book, I enjoy watching her grow, learning to cook (thanks to Mac) and her compassion for people. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions, all unsolicited and recommend this as a put up your feet, grab your drink of choice and see if you figure out the culprit.

Doreen Montgomery had been married to a very wealthy man and when she divorced him for his infidelity she was unprepared for the life as a single women. She moved into a house gifted to her by her grandmother along with Thaddeus the parrot, Goliath the cat and Mugs the dog. Doreen had no skills apart from her love of gardening, she couldn't even cook........enter Corporal Mack Moreau of the Kelowna police department who took it upon himself to teach her. Quite soon Doreen began to build up a reputation as an amateur sleuth much to the amusement and sometimes irritation of Mack and the police department, she did however manage to uncover clues that helped to solve quite a few cold cases. When Doreen came across a pair of pink silk handcuffs in her grumpy neighbours garden no one could have imagined that it would lead to the uncovering of murder, prostitution, transgender and embezzlement. This is the eighth book in the Lovely Lethal Garden series and although they are all standalone I would suggest that you read them in order to get the most enjoyment. They are all quite tongue in cheek with serious undertones, Doreen is a bit dippy and trundles along in her own sweet way despite treading on toes (especially Mack's) along the way. The menagerie are quite amusing and follow Doreen everywhere earning her a few not very complimentary nicknames. There is a very slow burning romance between Doreen and Mack which is very sweet. There is no hot sex or hard action, this is a lovely gentle book despite covering serious issues and I really enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Handcuffs in the Heather is part of the Lovely Lethal Garden Series. Once again we find Doreen in the middle of a cold case investigation. Usually I don't like reading the amateur sleuth genre, but what makes this book different are the characters. Doreen is an ex-trophy wife, who has never lived alone, can't cook, work or take care of the house. Then there's the animals that Doreen inherited the cat Goliath, the dog Mugs, and the parrot Thaddeus who seems to know the appropriate comments for the occasion. Then there is Mack, the police officer friend that helps her out. There is definitely chemistry between Mack and Doreen and Mack spends a lot of time at her house. I am waiting for them to move things to the next level. Once Doreen feels that she knows who the suspect is she goes and confronts them. When the suspect goes on the attack, her menagerie holds off the suspect until Mack is able to come to the rescue. If your looking for a steamy romance this isn't the book for you, but if your looking for a story with characters you will love, this book is for you. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.