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Val Fremden Mysteries #3
Three Dumb: Wheelin' & Dealin'
They Say Three’s a Charm. But Charming isn’t Val’s Style.
Val Fremden is a lot of things. Quirky. Jaded. Disaster prone – to name a few.
But more than anything, she’s afraid of commitment.
So it's no wonder that when boyfriend Tom tells her he loves her, Val plays it cool. But when he accidentally hauls her mom’s ashes to a junkyard, Val loses it like Chernobyl 2.0...
On the warpath with Tom, Val turns to her wacko, low-rent friends to help track down her mom’s cremains. But three botched stakeouts and two disasters later, she still hasn't got peanuts. Through trial (but mostly error), Val discovers it's not easy to outwit a mobile master of disguise while driving around a paddy-wagon full of nutcases.
She loves Tom...she loves him not. Knowing Val, she’s gonna need a bigger flower….
Three Dumb is a satirical look at how life, over time, changes our perception of love and the things we value. It’s told through the eyes of a snarky, middle-aged woman with legendary commitment issues and a gnawing reluctance toward romance.
Val Fremden is a lot of things. Quirky. Jaded. Disaster prone – to name a few.
But more than anything, she’s afraid of commitment.
So it's no wonder that when boyfriend Tom tells her he loves her, Val plays it cool. But when he accidentally hauls her mom’s ashes to a junkyard, Val loses it like Chernobyl 2.0...
On the warpath with Tom, Val turns to her wacko, low-rent friends to help track down her mom’s cremains. But three botched stakeouts and two disasters later, she still hasn't got peanuts. Through trial (but mostly error), Val discovers it's not easy to outwit a mobile master of disguise while driving around a paddy-wagon full of nutcases.
She loves Tom...she loves him not. Knowing Val, she’s gonna need a bigger flower….
Three Dumb is a satirical look at how life, over time, changes our perception of love and the things we value. It’s told through the eyes of a snarky, middle-aged woman with legendary commitment issues and a gnawing reluctance toward romance.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 17, 2017
About the author
Margaret Lashley
53 books283 followersWhy 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!
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!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 5, 2020
I am loving this series! With lunar blast-offs and a sassy new friend 'Cold Cuts' (strange nickname), Val is back with a new mystery. This time, policeman boyfriend has declared his love for Val. Will she reciprocate? Not yet! Because he has sold her RV for scrap with her mother's ashes inside. Wise words and new job roles for Val and her best mate Milly, laughing all the way to the end of this book.
February 23, 2018
Another crazy romp with Val and her dysfunctional friends, Winky, Jorge, Winnie, Goober and her wonderful full of advice, former vegas showgirl neighbor! This book kept me laughing almost throughout the entire read! Val's boyfriend, Tom, sold Val's mother's RV which was falling apart and just parked in the yard without Val's knowledge. This sets Val off and not in a good way since she had left her mother, Glad's ashes in the RV. Val being the victim of 3 failed marriages doesn't know how to exactly react to Tom when he tells her he loves her. She is such a mess when it comes to sorting out what she wants and who she can give all her trust to. She finds a strange new friend nicknamed Cold Cuts who is free-wheeling but full of some very sage advice when it comes to life. Cold Cut's constantly disguises herself in many costumes and says her piece when she sees men mistreating women. Milly is not so sure of Cold Cuts. And so with 4 storylines woven through this laugh a minute book you will not be able to stop laughing while commiserating with Val! Can't wait to read the next books in this series and many more to come. I love these characters and you will too!
May 12, 2018
Whacky story with heart
Margaret Lashley's stories about Val and her oddball friends are funny but also poignant. The group of friends are full of surprises and hidden depths. Great story. I would give a five-star rating if the proof reader had caught all of the spelling mistakes.
Margaret Lashley's stories about Val and her oddball friends are funny but also poignant. The group of friends are full of surprises and hidden depths. Great story. I would give a five-star rating if the proof reader had caught all of the spelling mistakes.
December 25, 2022
Cute stories plagued by errors any novice proofreader should have picked up
August 17, 2017
Val starts off being rather ungrateful and caring to her boyfriend and friends who worked so hard to get her surprise birthday present all done without her knowing about it. Tom gets upset when she doesn't tell him she loves him back or thank you for the really special gift. But as the story goes on, Val does come around and apologizes...sort of. Val is more into finding her mother's old RV and Mr. Peanut piggy bank urn. Along the way she does get a job with her best friend Milly, which doesn't last long. She also finds the RV, but no piggy bank. There are many things going on in this story. Milly and Val quit their jobs at the accounting firm, they run into "Cold Cuts", the man-bashing, rude person who comes and saves women from bad dates and men being mean to them in general. The three of them form a business, and things are going pretty well, except Milly and Cold Cuts don't really get along. I won't tell you how it ends, but I will tell you it totally took my breath away and I never expected it in this story!
June 25, 2025
Val and Milly both got lessons they didn’t even know they needed. The ending pages had me teary-eyed because they are so sweet.
I feel right at home in this series. I look forward to each time I’m able to pick up my Kindle to read. It seems so warm and fuzzy and even, perhaps… real. Things that happen in this book are plausible. There isn’t a murder in every one like most cozy mysteries I read. I like the change because I always hate wondering who will die next. Sometimes it’s a good character that ends up murdered.
Ya, this is a good one!
Next is Book 4 of 9: “What Four: Family Fruitcake Frenzy.” Maybe the title means this will be a Christmas time read!
See you in my next review!
Deuces to your cabooses! ⭐️😊⭐️
I feel right at home in this series. I look forward to each time I’m able to pick up my Kindle to read. It seems so warm and fuzzy and even, perhaps… real. Things that happen in this book are plausible. There isn’t a murder in every one like most cozy mysteries I read. I like the change because I always hate wondering who will die next. Sometimes it’s a good character that ends up murdered.
Ya, this is a good one!
Next is Book 4 of 9: “What Four: Family Fruitcake Frenzy.” Maybe the title means this will be a Christmas time read!
See you in my next review!
Deuces to your cabooses! ⭐️😊⭐️
October 27, 2017
I never tire of reading about Val and all her pals! One adventure after another for this crazy bunch. Val's boyfriend Tom tries to do something nice for her trading in her Mom's little RV for a tiki hut to help make her backyard a pretty little getaway. Only problem is her Mom's ashes were in there! Val is furious and on the warpath. She already has commitment issues and this really doesn't help. Come along for the ride while Val and her pals go on a crazy ride to find her mom's ashes with stakeouts, disasters and hilarious situations. Great laughs, maybe a few tears, and always lessons learned! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 28, 2017
This is my favorite book in the series, and that just makes me more excited to see what happens next. The action, and the emotion, in this story start on the first page, and it just builds and builds. Val and her pals are still amusing and they still find adventure in the most unusual places. I don't know where Margaret Lashley gets her ideas, but I love the way her mind thinks. She makes me laugh, but she also makes me think about what is truly important to me. Every book in this series has had this same impact on me, which is probably why I love her books so much. I recommend this book to anyone!
May 18, 2018
Another Hilarious Val Fremden Mystery
This is the third book of the Val Fremden Mystery series. It is just as laugh-out-loud funny as the prior episodes. It also has Val learning a bit more about life and growing her heart. Some of the characters in these stories could have come directly from my life which is both strange and funny. Without giving away any spoilers, if you enjoyed the previous books, you will love this one! I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
This is the third book of the Val Fremden Mystery series. It is just as laugh-out-loud funny as the prior episodes. It also has Val learning a bit more about life and growing her heart. Some of the characters in these stories could have come directly from my life which is both strange and funny. Without giving away any spoilers, if you enjoyed the previous books, you will love this one! I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
November 26, 2018
Confused
I chose to read this because Im a fan of Janet Evanovich Plum series and Im game to read anything. Except this book is very obviously missing something. The characters are laughable but not in a good way they're in their 50s or nearly and cant hold down a job just because they werent feeling it... we should all be so lucky. Also I kind of hate the way she treats her mother a woman who raised her all while glorifying a woman who she barely knew. I gave it a chance because Im no quitter but 3 books in and I think Im done.
I chose to read this because Im a fan of Janet Evanovich Plum series and Im game to read anything. Except this book is very obviously missing something. The characters are laughable but not in a good way they're in their 50s or nearly and cant hold down a job just because they werent feeling it... we should all be so lucky. Also I kind of hate the way she treats her mother a woman who raised her all while glorifying a woman who she barely knew. I gave it a chance because Im no quitter but 3 books in and I think Im done.
February 21, 2018
Another laugh out loud story
This book in the hilarious series is absolutely awesome!! The situations that Val and her kooky friends get into may seem unbelievable, but, they are very believable if you have ever spent any time in "real life in Pinellas County, Florida. Lol. Actually, the " real" situations make this series and the author have made me a fan for life. Thank you Margaret Lashley.
This book in the hilarious series is absolutely awesome!! The situations that Val and her kooky friends get into may seem unbelievable, but, they are very believable if you have ever spent any time in "real life in Pinellas County, Florida. Lol. Actually, the " real" situations make this series and the author have made me a fan for life. Thank you Margaret Lashley.
February 26, 2019
Love in the air and Date Busters
Val and friends are at it again. Her personal favorite cop is still around and the relationship just might be going somewhere. The girls come up with a business idea that seems to have great potential, for a while. Another grand, rollicking tale that induced chuckles, a couple guffaws, a few tears, and at least one good belly laugh! Recommended
Val and friends are at it again. Her personal favorite cop is still around and the relationship just might be going somewhere. The girls come up with a business idea that seems to have great potential, for a while. Another grand, rollicking tale that induced chuckles, a couple guffaws, a few tears, and at least one good belly laugh! Recommended
August 1, 2024
Just when I think maybe the characters are growing on me…
This book claims to be better than the Stephanie Plum Series, and I thought the older characters would be appealing. However the characters do not act older at all, calling names like “jerk face” and “you’re just a big meanie” I thought I was reading about kindergarteners.
I loved the fact the book takes place in St Pete Florida, but other than that there’s not a lot of pros.
This book claims to be better than the Stephanie Plum Series, and I thought the older characters would be appealing. However the characters do not act older at all, calling names like “jerk face” and “you’re just a big meanie” I thought I was reading about kindergarteners.
I loved the fact the book takes place in St Pete Florida, but other than that there’s not a lot of pros.
April 2, 2026
Good story
Just some confusions about the name of bar owner. The story references him as "Vince" and then as "Vance" and then back again. Being bothered by that issue made the middle half to the end not as enjoyable. And it is "NDA" not "NDR" for a nondisclosure agreement. Where are the proof readers for this book. Just so many word errors also that you have to figure out the write wording. This may be my last book in this series.
Just some confusions about the name of bar owner. The story references him as "Vince" and then as "Vance" and then back again. Being bothered by that issue made the middle half to the end not as enjoyable. And it is "NDA" not "NDR" for a nondisclosure agreement. Where are the proof readers for this book. Just so many word errors also that you have to figure out the write wording. This may be my last book in this series.
August 30, 2017
I love this series! Cant wait for book 5!!!
I love the humor and sudden twist of events! You think it's going to go one way, and then BAM! It goes somewhere completely left field. Margaret Lashley is an amazing author with so much talent, I hope this series keeps going and going into the 20s like Stephanie Plum!
(But better!)
I love the humor and sudden twist of events! You think it's going to go one way, and then BAM! It goes somewhere completely left field. Margaret Lashley is an amazing author with so much talent, I hope this series keeps going and going into the 20s like Stephanie Plum!
(But better!)
January 29, 2018
Lashley/three dumb
What more can I say. Read the book, you will not be disappointed. It's humorous,funny,a little bit of tears at the end involving the whole gang helping Val find the missing mr.peanut container that has val's real mother remains inside ,and add a little vigilantes who comes to women rescue on a bad date, and tO realize her feelings for her cop boyfriend.
What more can I say. Read the book, you will not be disappointed. It's humorous,funny,a little bit of tears at the end involving the whole gang helping Val find the missing mr.peanut container that has val's real mother remains inside ,and add a little vigilantes who comes to women rescue on a bad date, and tO realize her feelings for her cop boyfriend.
September 22, 2019
Another laugh out loud book. This time they start their own business, Date Busters and their costumes are crazy. The friendship between the characters is amazing. I'm enjoying the how the relationship between Tom and Val is slowly coming together. This is a wonderful series and the characters are hilarious.
February 8, 2023
What's not to love?
Joining Val again for another adventure, new friends and old faces. Such great characters and story building.
If you haven't read the first two books go get them now. Start the series from the beginning. It's a great series filled with laughs, friends and some of life's most cherished lessons.
Joining Val again for another adventure, new friends and old faces. Such great characters and story building.
If you haven't read the first two books go get them now. Start the series from the beginning. It's a great series filled with laughs, friends and some of life's most cherished lessons.
June 4, 2024
Val's boyfriend has sold her RV for scrap with her mother's ashes inside. She's not amused. We follow Val and the usual gang of misfits plus a new friend with the unlikely name of Cold Cut as they try to recover her property. This is still one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I highly recommend starting with Book 1.
August 18, 2017
As usual Val's going off half cocked again. Toms sold her moms camper not knowing that her Moms ashes are in it. So she starts looking on her own with only the help of the 3 amigos. You are going to love the new cast of people she meets. I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2017
Three Dumb
This book series just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed how all the characters are really developing and the awesome story line is going. I cannot wait to read the next book about Val and all her pals.
This book series just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed how all the characters are really developing and the awesome story line is going. I cannot wait to read the next book about Val and all her pals.
July 4, 2018
So good
I just love this series. Each book in this series has a deeper meaning that I can relate to so well. Three Dumb had me laughing and the next chapter might cause a few tears. Margaret Lashley is truly a gifted author and I'll be reading the next book in this series.
I just love this series. Each book in this series has a deeper meaning that I can relate to so well. Three Dumb had me laughing and the next chapter might cause a few tears. Margaret Lashley is truly a gifted author and I'll be reading the next book in this series.
September 2, 2018
Val loves Tom; she does; she just is not sure she wants to live with him - especially after her trades Glad's ashes for a tiki hut! Three Dumb is another mad chapter in Val's crazy life! Val finds tracking down Glad's ashes to be almost impossible. Come along for the ride as she tries!
July 11, 2019
A really great read
Oh my, I laughed so much reading this book. These books just keep getting better and funnier. I love the characters they are so lovely. I can't wait to read the next book. Well worth five stars. I'd give ten if I could.
Oh my, I laughed so much reading this book. These books just keep getting better and funnier. I love the characters they are so lovely. I can't wait to read the next book. Well worth five stars. I'd give ten if I could.
September 17, 2019
Enjoyable Read
Laughed out loud a few times. I liked the new characters and new romance introduced in this story. I think I liked this book more than the second one. I'm looking coward to the next book to find out what the dirty cop is hiding.
Laughed out loud a few times. I liked the new characters and new romance introduced in this story. I think I liked this book more than the second one. I'm looking coward to the next book to find out what the dirty cop is hiding.
April 29, 2020
Best one yet
I love love love this series. A middle aged woman with quirky friends and neighbors learning to love herself. An added bonus is the location of St Pete Fl where I spent some of my childhood and remember some of the locations mentioned.
I love love love this series. A middle aged woman with quirky friends and neighbors learning to love herself. An added bonus is the location of St Pete Fl where I spent some of my childhood and remember some of the locations mentioned.
August 14, 2020
I am really enjoying this series. The lead is not perfect and continues to learn from her mistakes. She's not described as "cute or perky", but is attractive & demonstrates traits relative to her age bracket. Will continue reading this series & have recommenced it to my friends.
February 6, 2021
Val’s Pals
Once again Val and gang of crazy, lovable people get into jams, skirt on the shaky side of the law, and find love. Silly at times,it is a fun read with no foul language or gross scenes. Even the minor characters are wonderful!
Once again Val and gang of crazy, lovable people get into jams, skirt on the shaky side of the law, and find love. Silly at times,it is a fun read with no foul language or gross scenes. Even the minor characters are wonderful!
April 22, 2021
Book 3 in the series
Val, Millie, Tom, and the rest of the crew are back for another adventure in St. Petersburg, FL. Val learns some valuable life lessons along the way. A good story.
Val, Millie, Tom, and the rest of the crew are back for another adventure in St. Petersburg, FL. Val learns some valuable life lessons along the way. A good story.
May 2, 2022
Inspiring Book
What a heartwarming, inspiring book! Not only highly entertaining but chock full of sage advice that us women can all use! I enjoyed the book so much and the advice that Val received gave me a lot to ponder over. Wonderful story!!!
What a heartwarming, inspiring book! Not only highly entertaining but chock full of sage advice that us women can all use! I enjoyed the book so much and the advice that Val received gave me a lot to ponder over. Wonderful story!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews