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Val Fremden Mysteries #5
Five Oh: Fifty is the New F-Word
Killing Two Birds with One Rock
Val’s always been unlucky at love – and a whole bunch of other things.
But she’s never actually felt cursed. Until now.
When Tom gives Val an engagement ring for her fiftieth birthday, she wants to fly the coop. But it’s Tom who skips out on the romantic getaway he planned. When he can’t make the trip, one of Val’s pals goes instead. On the first day, her friend entangles Val in a prank that ticks off the wrong tourist. On the second day, she gets Val charged with murder.
(Did I mention Val was unlucky?)
To clear her name, Val must go fishing to lure in the real culprit. But what kind of bait do you use when you don’t want to get caught yourself?
With both marriage and jail feeling like impending life sentences, Val’s going to have to do some pretty fancy angling to get herself off the hook this time….
Val’s always been unlucky at love – and a whole bunch of other things.
But she’s never actually felt cursed. Until now.
When Tom gives Val an engagement ring for her fiftieth birthday, she wants to fly the coop. But it’s Tom who skips out on the romantic getaway he planned. When he can’t make the trip, one of Val’s pals goes instead. On the first day, her friend entangles Val in a prank that ticks off the wrong tourist. On the second day, she gets Val charged with murder.
(Did I mention Val was unlucky?)
To clear her name, Val must go fishing to lure in the real culprit. But what kind of bait do you use when you don’t want to get caught yourself?
With both marriage and jail feeling like impending life sentences, Val’s going to have to do some pretty fancy angling to get herself off the hook this time….
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2017
722 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Lashley
51 books257 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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 4, 2020
I think this is the best one! (Although I have thought that before while reading this series). Val being accused of murder is a wonderful example of something that should not be funny... is funny. Especially the bit about the tornado. There is a cursed ring, characters with alias names, and a man in a hat on the beach. Great plot - it all comes together, even Val's love life... Or does it?
This series is full of quirky characters and entertaining threads.
This series is full of quirky characters and entertaining threads.
May 22, 2018
Murder, Mayhem and Weddings
This is the fifth book of the Val Fremden mystery series. Like the earlier episodes, it is full of humor, wit and redneck-isms. The plot is fun and intricate. The story is as much about discovering ones true self as it is about solving a mystery. Set against the Florida beach scene background, it makes for a great mental vacation. I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
This is the fifth book of the Val Fremden mystery series. Like the earlier episodes, it is full of humor, wit and redneck-isms. The plot is fun and intricate. The story is as much about discovering ones true self as it is about solving a mystery. Set against the Florida beach scene background, it makes for a great mental vacation. I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
July 8, 2018
Great life lessons with a side of hilarious wrapped mystery
Another excellent Val Fremdem mystery. Val had turn the 5-0 and it's feeling a bit old and boyfriend Tom plans a romantic getaway for a week at a swanky resort. Tim is delayed so Val's friend, Cold Cuts, joins her until Tom arrives. Val's crazy life kicks in and the police suspect her of crimes. Val gets into some of the funniest circumstances that I'm not sure how Margaret Lashley thinks up some of these laughable scenes. Deep life lessons are also added in here and there making this series excellent. I especially liked the part where Val's friend tells her that if you changed the bad parts of your life then you would not be who you are today. My grandma used to tell me something similar and as I've gotten older, I see how true that is. I've never read a book that explains that concept better. I can't forget to mention the laughs to be had by this series are honestly SO funny. My three youngest kids keep asking me what on earth is so funny because once I start laughing at Val's antics, it takes a few minutes to stop.
Another excellent Val Fremdem mystery. Val had turn the 5-0 and it's feeling a bit old and boyfriend Tom plans a romantic getaway for a week at a swanky resort. Tim is delayed so Val's friend, Cold Cuts, joins her until Tom arrives. Val's crazy life kicks in and the police suspect her of crimes. Val gets into some of the funniest circumstances that I'm not sure how Margaret Lashley thinks up some of these laughable scenes. Deep life lessons are also added in here and there making this series excellent. I especially liked the part where Val's friend tells her that if you changed the bad parts of your life then you would not be who you are today. My grandma used to tell me something similar and as I've gotten older, I see how true that is. I've never read a book that explains that concept better. I can't forget to mention the laughs to be had by this series are honestly SO funny. My three youngest kids keep asking me what on earth is so funny because once I start laughing at Val's antics, it takes a few minutes to stop.
September 13, 2025
I would have said I enjoyed this book but with the ending it had me questioning what had I just listen too? Talk about a different ending. Did I like it? I am not sure, maybe if I had started with book one and had a better connection to the characters, I would have felt happy with the ending, instead it felt flat. I did like the mystery, well until the ending. There was a lot happening to just one character, some of it her own making, some mother nature and the rest just her crazy luck. The humour was thick and fast and I did like the characters, although some of the unusual nicknames and personalities took some getting use to.
Reaching 50 is hard for some people but for Val it's about to get a whole lot harder. When her fiance is unable to join her on her romantic getaway , Val takes her best friend. They are mistaken for a couple, get on the wrong side of a guest and get caught up in a storm. Then Val wakes up and her friend is missing and the police think she has something to do with it. Can she find out what happened to her friend before the police arrest her?
I Liked the narrator. She did a lot of different voices making it easy to follow the story.
Reaching 50 is hard for some people but for Val it's about to get a whole lot harder. When her fiance is unable to join her on her romantic getaway , Val takes her best friend. They are mistaken for a couple, get on the wrong side of a guest and get caught up in a storm. Then Val wakes up and her friend is missing and the police think she has something to do with it. Can she find out what happened to her friend before the police arrest her?
I Liked the narrator. She did a lot of different voices making it easy to follow the story.
November 15, 2018
Val is the ultimate laugh-out-loud character! Turning the big 5-0 is the smallest of her problems, and her life just gets more and more crazy. The book isn't all laughs, though. There are very touching, important lessons hidden behind all the hilarity, and the whole thing is blended together beautifully. So, while I am laughing so hard there are tears running down my face, I am also touched by the reality of the emotions felt by Val. There is a depth to her character that adds to the zaniness of the story, and her pals are people I would love to call friends. The mysteries, the craziness, and the relationships between the characters continue to get better and better as this series continues, and I can't wait for the next one.
I received an ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 4, 2018
Val and Tom are engaged. Can you believe it. And now Val is celebrating her 50th birthday with a party. Tom has given Val a week long vacation at a resort in Sarasota but will be unable to join her until the 2nd day. Penelope Piddleton (AKA Cold Cuts) joins her for the beginning of the week.
After taking a morning walk along the beach, she is chased to her cottage by a tornado.
Cold Cuts has disappeared and Val is accused of murdering her. Tom and Val and the gang are caught up in the investigation. Who killed Cold Cuts, is she really dead, was she kidnapped?
All these questions and more will be answered before the last page is turned.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
After taking a morning walk along the beach, she is chased to her cottage by a tornado.
Cold Cuts has disappeared and Val is accused of murdering her. Tom and Val and the gang are caught up in the investigation. Who killed Cold Cuts, is she really dead, was she kidnapped?
All these questions and more will be answered before the last page is turned.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
December 19, 2017
Poor Val, first she turns 50, then her week get away with Tom starts out with Cold Cuts. Tom is helping Jorge with his test to get back into police work. Things just go down hill from there and quickly. The biggest thing of all is Cold Cut is missing and the police there think Val killed her! Then Val and Tom start having major problems. Can Val and Tom work things out? What happened to Cold Cuts? Where is she? Why won't she answer her phone. Also the people at the restort are acting strange around Val. For the answers you will have to read this book. Enjoy! I know I did. I voluntarily read a copy of this story, the review is my own opinion.
October 24, 2024
Basic Math
As a very wise author once said you can add people to your life with out subtracting your own. Five OH! Is full of the twist and turns I have come to love about Val’s life and Lashley’s retellings. Val is the poster child for weird and it is wonderful! As all of Lashley’s books there are lessons learned and emotional roller coasters to be ridden. I can truly relate to Val’s ups and downs and as much as many might want life to be perfect, Tom said it best, “I know our lives will never be boring.”
As a very wise author once said you can add people to your life with out subtracting your own. Five OH! Is full of the twist and turns I have come to love about Val’s life and Lashley’s retellings. Val is the poster child for weird and it is wonderful! As all of Lashley’s books there are lessons learned and emotional roller coasters to be ridden. I can truly relate to Val’s ups and downs and as much as many might want life to be perfect, Tom said it best, “I know our lives will never be boring.”
January 3, 2018
I have read all of her books. Each one I read is my favorite. They keep getting better with each book. I had to find out who killed whom or if anyone was dead. I started reading in the evening and read while I should have been sleeping, but I had to finish it. Now I can not wait for the next book! shmoore
February 2, 2018
Lashley/give oh is the new f word
This series is full of mischievous misconception towards Val and Tom's vacation which Tom couldn't go for first day Val ask a friend to go until Tom could come in the meantime in the mist of all this involved an angry cop, missing friend and Val commitment to Tom .
This series is full of mischievous misconception towards Val and Tom's vacation which Tom couldn't go for first day Val ask a friend to go until Tom could come in the meantime in the mist of all this involved an angry cop, missing friend and Val commitment to Tom .
October 6, 2018
This book is hysterical!
I don’t know how the author comes up with these hilarious situations, but they are good. Val Fremden is a mixed up mess, and her friends are the most ridiculously funny bunch of weirdos, but you like them all. I don’t read enough books that make you laugh out loud like these do, but they make you feel something, too. Great books, Margaret Lashley!
I don’t know how the author comes up with these hilarious situations, but they are good. Val Fremden is a mixed up mess, and her friends are the most ridiculously funny bunch of weirdos, but you like them all. I don’t read enough books that make you laugh out loud like these do, but they make you feel something, too. Great books, Margaret Lashley!
June 25, 2020
Writing in a league of its own
It is so refreshing to read a story with an original plot which does not rely on current blockbusters for ideas. This novel keeps you guessing and invested from start to end. The characters are like old friends and you feel what they up to now? I loved it.
It is so refreshing to read a story with an original plot which does not rely on current blockbusters for ideas. This novel keeps you guessing and invested from start to end. The characters are like old friends and you feel what they up to now? I loved it.
December 17, 2021
FiveOh: A really fun book.
This book by Margaret Lashley is very entertaining. It is a well written, interesting story with unusual and funny characters. It is one of a series of books featuring the misadventures of Val Fremden and her oddball friends. Like the others, it's a very good read. I'm looking forward to the next books the series.
This book by Margaret Lashley is very entertaining. It is a well written, interesting story with unusual and funny characters. It is one of a series of books featuring the misadventures of Val Fremden and her oddball friends. Like the others, it's a very good read. I'm looking forward to the next books the series.
February 27, 2018
Can't wait for the next book!
This book made me laugh, like the others, but it also made me cry, and it made me scared and then, it made me relieved. More mishaps, including more crazy characters made this book another awesome experience.
This book made me laugh, like the others, but it also made me cry, and it made me scared and then, it made me relieved. More mishaps, including more crazy characters made this book another awesome experience.
September 2, 2018
Val is 50? Impossible! Val and Pals enjoy another improbable romp with dwarfs, shyster lawyers, a cursed engagement ring and another zany adventure. These books get better each time. The supporting cast is also doing well to help things move along. Find time to escape from your life to Val's!
September 23, 2019
50 years old and still learning how to be ALIVE
Val is a growth in process. She’s had her ups and downs and she’s learning to love the adventure of life. I love reading about Val and her friends and celebrating with them as they all grow and live.
Val is a growth in process. She’s had her ups and downs and she’s learning to love the adventure of life. I love reading about Val and her friends and celebrating with them as they all grow and live.
February 2, 2020
This is the 5th book in the series and each one gets better as they go along. This one gives us more in-depth Val's emotions about turning 50th and what she wants out of life. The plot keeps you going right up to the end. I look forward to reading book 6.
April 29, 2021
Book 5 in the series
Tom makes reservations for a week at an upscale beach resort then is delayed for a couple of days so Val and Cold Cuts use the first few days. That’s when the adventure begins. Lots of twists and turns before it’s over.
Tom makes reservations for a week at an upscale beach resort then is delayed for a couple of days so Val and Cold Cuts use the first few days. That’s when the adventure begins. Lots of twists and turns before it’s over.
March 30, 2022
fun
I enjoy reading this series. They can be a little silly, but that’s what makes the books fun to read. It’s nice to escape from life through a good book & Midlife Mysteries are a good way to escape.
I enjoy reading this series. They can be a little silly, but that’s what makes the books fun to read. It’s nice to escape from life through a good book & Midlife Mysteries are a good way to escape.
January 3, 2018
Best Book Ever
This is the best book in this series and I highly recommend that you start with the first book and read all the rest before you read this book and you will agree.
This is the best book in this series and I highly recommend that you start with the first book and read all the rest before you read this book and you will agree.
January 19, 2019
I just love Val. She is such a special character filled with love of life. Gotta love her and her tangle of friends. Great book.
May 15, 2019
This story is a total crack-up! I Lol all the way through. I highly recommend you start with book one though. They are all hilarious and worth the price tag!
July 23, 2019
A fun read
Val and her friends are so down to earth and funny, I love reading these books, they do make me laugh at the things that happen to them.
Val and her friends are so down to earth and funny, I love reading these books, they do make me laugh at the things that happen to them.
September 4, 2019
The Adventure continues
Few people have enough imagination to create the series of events that is Val's life.
The consistent nature of Ms. Margaret's characters is also admirable!
Few people have enough imagination to create the series of events that is Val's life.
The consistent nature of Ms. Margaret's characters is also admirable!
Read
October 5, 2019First series I've enjoyed back to back
So nice to read a funny and clean book. I can see a little of Val in me! I too am 50 (ish)
So nice to read a funny and clean book. I can see a little of Val in me! I too am 50 (ish)
February 8, 2021
Laugh out loud funny!
Great series if you are a fan of Stephanie Plumb. Funny and easy reading with quirky characters. Looking forward to the next book
Great series if you are a fan of Stephanie Plumb. Funny and easy reading with quirky characters. Looking forward to the next book
February 21, 2021
Val is the best!
Val is such a relatable character and her group of friends keep me laughing! This is a great series to follow.
Val is such a relatable character and her group of friends keep me laughing! This is a great series to follow.
August 30, 2021
Enjoyable Book
Well written book with a nice story. Very funny at times. But she has a boyfriend who is too good to be try. I liked it.
Well written book with a nice story. Very funny at times. But she has a boyfriend who is too good to be try. I liked it.
October 2, 2021
What an entertaining book!! Twists and turns when you least expect it. Love this book
June 13, 2022
Love
The books are easy reading, have mystery, intrigue, certainly characters. I can read one in a day, and be entertained.
The books are easy reading, have mystery, intrigue, certainly characters. I can read one in a day, and be entertained.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews