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Val Fremden Mysteries

Val Fremden Mysteries: Glad One, Two Crazy, Three Dumb

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“One of the best series I have read in YEARS!!!!”
“This is a knock-down hilarious series.”
“If you haven't read any Val books you are truly missing out.”
Over 700 Pages of Pure, Escapist Fun. Best Seller in Nine Mystery & Humor Categories!

A midlife meltdown leads to Southern-fried mayhem in this outrageously funny series about a snarky, jaded divorcee's attempt at starting life over again in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
If you love quirky heroines and funny, unpredictable mysteries, the Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series is for you. Each book in this bargain 3-box set delivers a laugh-a-minute story packed with oddly endearing characters, zingy dialogue, and rip-roaring situational humor. Life is full of ups and downs. The bumps don’t seem so big when you’re laughing your butt off along the way. Val and her unexpected friends are the kind of folks who can help you do just that.

The first boxed set includes Glad One, Two Crazy, and Three Dumb. A bonus link in Glad One also enables readers to join the author's newsletter and receive a welcome gift of a free copy of the "leave 'em gasping" prequel, Absolute Zero!

Dive into the hilarious, madcap world of Val Fremden with this bargain-priced box. Dollar for dollar, it may be the best escape from reality money can buy! Hope to see you soon at Sunset Beach.

798 pages, ebook

Published May 19, 2017

1845 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Margaret Lashley

51 books259 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
391 (57%)
4 stars
184 (26%)
3 stars
85 (12%)
2 stars
17 (2%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Suzanne Giorgione.
522 reviews19 followers
May 20, 2017
OMG!! I LOVE VAL and I was hooked from the first book!!! I could not put any of these three books down. I read each them straight through but being tired in the morning was worth every second spent reading!! I can't wait to read more about Val and her crazy adventures. It's a wild ride full of laughs, friendships, love, crazy situations and self-depreciating humor that is absolutely great. Don't forget the coffee and chocolate. Val has awesome taste! The descriptions of the places she went on her trip abroad were so detailed I wanted to go there and see every single place. All the details about Florida had me seeing each place in my mind. So many crazy things happen to Val it's just mind blowing! This character makes you proud to be a woman and makes you wish you could hang out with her daily! She'd be a fabulous friend all the way!! Thank you Margaret Lashley for sharing your talents with all of us. Can't wait for more! Three books are not enough. I need more Val!!
Profile Image for Linda Buzard-Moffitt.
661 reviews18 followers
November 3, 2018
Good and Fun Reads

These stories were pretty good. They started out slow for me because I didn't like the prequel as much. So I decided to skip that and read book one and two first. Then I went back and read the prequel after I got to know Val a little bit more and was able to enjoy it more that way. There were very good characters and I like the storylines . I would definitely read more Val Fremden books . I borrowed this book as my KOLL book for the month of October and I am glad I chose this one.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,030 reviews16 followers
October 28, 2017
I read all of these books individually, and I loved them! They are the perfect blend of reality and humor. Margaret Lashley has a wonderful way of taking something that would be painful to experience and finding the joy and laughter in those moments. Part of that is the quirky cast of characters, and part of that is the honesty that she gives them. This series is one of my favorites and the box set is the perfect way to get them, and keep them, all together.
70 reviews
December 28, 2023
such an endearing novel.

The characters, and each of them with very different personalities, really crept into my heart. I feel like I know each and every one of them and know what they look like and how they sound. It’s just amazing how the writer can capture these things and land them in your head.
3 reviews
April 3, 2024
I started this book because it said if you like Stephanie Plum you should like this book, I couldn't get into it after about 6 chapters gave up, kept hoping it would catch my attention but did not. I have read several books since setting this one aside, might go back and try a few more chapters later see if it changes, however it is nothing like the Plum series so far.
56 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2024
Great intro books

Read all three at once. Loved the first book! The story of Val & Glad will warm your heart. Two Crazy was fast paced & A great intro to Tom, Val & Millie. Three Dumb...was a bit too long with the story of Val trying to find her RV. The ending was heart warming but the story itself was long for the subject matter.
Profile Image for Melanie Groff.
95 reviews
January 12, 2025
Wasn’t sure what to expect

I really enjoyed all three books in this series. It took a few chapters to really get into the characters and their stories, but I’m so happy I did. Val, just a girl that was unlucky in love, finds the most interesting group of friends as she finds herself. I can’t wait to read the other books.
68 reviews
April 13, 2020
Laughed til I cried!!

I purchased this 3 book series hoping for something light and funny! It did not disappoint!! Stayed up till all hours reading and laughing at the crazy adventures of Val and her unlikely friends!!
50 reviews
December 6, 2020
Crazy but a wonderful crazy

Enjoyed all 3 books, Laughed thru all three, .All outrageous characters ,and crazy antics but made a wonderful read in this time of the Pandemic when everybody needs a laugh.
25 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2024
A Great Start to a Lovable New Series

This was a super fun read. It’s reminiscent of early Stephanie Plum type antics that kept me smiling. I’m looking forward to the second book, Two Crazy.
4 reviews
August 17, 2024
Inspirational. Real. Laugh out loud til you fall over funny!!!

I like the characters. They are down to earth sincere with human defects. Good friends. Funny. Bittersweet and sad but with happy parts too.
37 reviews
June 21, 2025
It was cute! Not what I normally read but it’s great for a quick read or if u are on vacation and just want something fun. The first one was just okay but the second and third books u def fall in love with the characters. I will be reading the rest in this series!
7 reviews
April 4, 2020
Three Dumb

A nice, pleasant read infused with humor. Val’s very colorful friends are always there for her. Besides her very sexy boyfriend.
3 reviews
May 4, 2020
Laughed out Loud

I loved this book. The characters are funny and you never know what to expect! I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
14 reviews15 followers
April 10, 2021
These books were great light hearted fun. I laughed out loud so many times and look forward to reading some more adventures with Val and her crazy cast of characters.
23 reviews
May 1, 2022
Laugh out loud funny

Love the characters ! Wonderful story line, Would highly recommend this series, Can't wait to read the next books in the series,
Profile Image for Rhona Crouthamel.
86 reviews6 followers
March 10, 2024
The Rabbit said it Best

To quote the great philosopher Thumper.... "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all"
(from "Bambi" for those of you under 50)
4 reviews
March 17, 2024
Fun ride

Fun series, laughed out loud. Read 0-3. Looking forward to 4 and beyond. Val and her pals are a great gang
1 review
May 7, 2024
Great books!

Great book for a good outloud laugh! I enjoyed how the characters were developed and easy to see them in my mind.
Profile Image for Saille.
102 reviews6 followers
May 16, 2024
DNF at 8%. MC is totally unlikable.
2 reviews
August 3, 2024
I loved all three

I love the depth of the characters, and the hilarity that ensues in a fun captivating story. I love the way it tugs at your heart and makes you laugh out loud.
39 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2025
book 1 was ok, but I wasn't interested in reading more
5 reviews
August 26, 2025
Valiant Fremden

Easy going who done it’s. Great quirky characters. A great beach read, I’m looking forward to books 4 and on!
4 reviews
December 9, 2024
If you enjoy the Stephanie Plum books, these are like a trashy Florida man version. They are a fun read, but sometimes I wish I could reach into the pages and smack some of the characters. They are likeable, but in an irritating way lol.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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