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A Doreen Diller Mystery #3

Almost a Dead Ringer

"You HAVE to read this series. I never laughed so much!"

Answering this Call Could be Her Downfall …
Two weeks ago Doreen was a complete nobody. Now everyone’s out to get her. And I don't mean in a good way.

Doreen’s acting career was in the dumpster—until she played a serial killer on TV. Now she can’t seem to live the infamy down. It’s not helping that her Aunt Edna is a member of the Southern mafia. Or that the gang of elderly ladies at Edna’s apartment complex consider Doreen their rising new star.

Hitman? Not exactly the role she’d been hoping for.

But when Hollywood doesn’t return her call, Doreen takes a new acting gig in St. Pete. And it’s not long before the studio’s clients begin turning into deadbeats … in more ways than one.

Doreen’s quickly discovering she’s not in L.A. anymore. She’s in F—L.A.
And here, you don’t need a script to become a suspicious character.

ALMOST A DEAD RINGER is perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich, Deany Ray, Leslie Langtry, Jana DeLeon, Jasmine Webb, Gemma Halliday, Liliana Hart, and JB Lynn. Readers of the Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series will fall in love with Doreen Diller!

Read this Women's Fiction/Cozy Mystery Series if You Love:

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About the author

Margaret Lashley

53 books283 followers
Why do I love underdogs? Well, it takes one to know one.

Like the main characters in my novels, I haven’t lead a life of wealth or luxury. In fact, as it stands now, I’m set to inherit a half-eaten jar of Cheez Whiz…if my siblings don’t beat me to it.

During my illustrious career, I’ve been a roller-skating waitress, an actuarial assistant, an advertising copywriter, a real estate agent, a house flipper, an organic farmer, and a traveling vagabond/truth seeker. But no matter where I’ve gone or what I’ve done, I’ve always felt like a weirdo.

I’ve learned a heck of a lot in my life. But getting to know myself has been my greatest journey. Today, I know I’m smart. I’m direct. I’m jaded. I’m hopeful. I’m funny. I’m fierce. I’m a pushover. And I have a laugh that lures strangers over, wanting to join in the fun.

In other words, I’m a jumble of opposing talents and flaws and emotions. And it’s all good.

I enjoy underdogs because we’ve got spunk. And hope. And secrets that drive us to be different from the rest.

So dare to be different. It's the only way to be!
Happy reading!

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Community Reviews

5 stars
301 (60%)
4 stars
142 (28%)
3 stars
54 (10%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Sandy.
926 reviews20 followers
March 8, 2023
Absolutely hilarious. Nobody can turn a phrase quite like Ms. Lashley. This book is a laugh-out-loud page turner. I just couldn’t wait to see what craziness happened next. Wacky characters, snarky dialogue, ridiculous situations and the author’s pure genius make this book a Must Read! Highly recommended. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
51 reviews
September 14, 2024
So Disappointed

This series has everything a reader could want. Suspense, mystery, humor and love! I soaked in the characters and their playful interactions. This series was hard to put down and always left you wanting more. Even in the end the door was left open with unanswered questions. Just when so many pieces of the puzzle were falling together you discover this is only a trilogy.
202 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2024
Book Review:

I enjoyed all the quirky mysteries in the trilogy ....Wish there were more books...Loved all the character's...Doreen, Edna, Kitty, Jackie even Brady the cop...and who could forget Queenpin herself Sophia....The antics that these women get involved 🙄 in will leave you laughing & shaking your head ...An enjoyable read ...Thank - you ...M.L.😊
6 reviews
June 2, 2025
A fun satisfying conclusion to this series about the Collard Greens Costa Nostra. And about families.

About coming of middle age, dreams and consequences of life choices. A satisfying conclusion to this look at show biz and finding your own way.
53 reviews
August 5, 2025
Another Lashley winner.

Have been a Margaret Lasley fan for a while after getting hooked on the Val Fremden Series. As expected, the Doreen Diller series is also excellent. I highly recommemnd the trilogy.
Profile Image for Diane Gates.
403 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2023
Wow

I've never seen so many crazy retired mobsters. They are all nuts, except Doreen. Her and Brady finally got together. Cute story and a bit bizarre.
3 reviews
April 25, 2023
Great series!

You HAVE to read this series! I never laughed so much and blew through them in 2 days. Margaret you are a Master, thank you!
1 review
May 11, 2023
fun read

Easy to read fun book. You will find yourself laughing with their series and won’t be able to put the book down
4,417 reviews43 followers
May 29, 2023
who killed Eddie and why - or why not??? A patsy and revenge??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
484 reviews15 followers
November 20, 2023
Fun folks and whacky antics!

Just start with book one and enjoy the ride from tinsel town to whacky Florida, where the headlines are like film cuts from a b movie with no funding.
26 reviews
September 15, 2024
Hum Dinger

A very twisty tale told with humor. The best of the series. It’s a shame we won’t get to see Doreen in action again.
Profile Image for Heidi S..
119 reviews
May 25, 2026
A quick read that ended the trilogy! This is cozy murder mystery with a couple of laughs!
480 reviews5 followers
March 9, 2023
As usual Margaret Lashley has another 5 star book/series. Doreen Diller is the latest protagonist that the author has brought to life. The descriptions of her "family" makes it easy to picture each one. This book has everything that you would want in a book, mystery, murder, family, romance and a lot of humor. Some of the quips that come out of the characters mouths are laugh out loud funny. I highly recommend this series.

I received an ARC copy of this book and voluntarily left a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews