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Val Fremden Mysteries #6
Six Tricks: Doggone Disaster
I got a dog for my boyfriend. It was a good trade.When Val’s forced to take up dog-sitting as a second career, she runs into one tiny snag.
She’s afraid of dogs.
In fact, the only thing she’s more afraid of is Tom moving in and wrecking her Sweatpants Saturdays. With neighbor Laverne facing the same impending doom, the two women decide sabotage is the perfect solution to change the plans of their cohabitation-minded boyfriends.
But their scheme soon gets sidetracked when a swarthy guy with a shady past moves in next door and neighborhood dogs start disappearing. With Tom away and a convicted felon grilling mystery meat next door, Val’s forced to rely on Winky and Goober to help her sniff out clues about the suspected canine chef.
I mean, really, what could possibly go wrong?
If you like deeply flawed characters and laugh-out-loud situations, you’ll love Six Tricks. It’s the sixth installment in Margaret Lashley’s hilarious Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series. Pick up a copy and get laughing today!
What Readers are Saying about Six
"If you need a good laugh, this is the series for you! Very well written, with a fun plot and a multitude of zany characters.""I'm not sure how Margaret Lashley does it, but she can take the average situation and turn it into a laugh-out-loud adventure." "Don't read on the public transit! You might also want to make sure you are somewhere private so you don't get funny looks when the tears are rolling down your cheeks and your stomach hurts from laughing so hard." "I absolutely love this series and Margaret Lashley has a way of making real life shenanigans even more hilarious." "Whether this is your first or sixth book with Ms. Lashley you will become hooked on Val and her pals." "Love, Love! Funny, quirky main character that makes every one of these books a delight to read!" "If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich, you’ll love Margaret Lashley. The characters and plots will leave you in stitches!" "Love me some Val! Wonderful characters, great setting, unbelievable adventures, laugh out loud situations."
She’s afraid of dogs.
In fact, the only thing she’s more afraid of is Tom moving in and wrecking her Sweatpants Saturdays. With neighbor Laverne facing the same impending doom, the two women decide sabotage is the perfect solution to change the plans of their cohabitation-minded boyfriends.
But their scheme soon gets sidetracked when a swarthy guy with a shady past moves in next door and neighborhood dogs start disappearing. With Tom away and a convicted felon grilling mystery meat next door, Val’s forced to rely on Winky and Goober to help her sniff out clues about the suspected canine chef.
I mean, really, what could possibly go wrong?
If you like deeply flawed characters and laugh-out-loud situations, you’ll love Six Tricks. It’s the sixth installment in Margaret Lashley’s hilarious Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series. Pick up a copy and get laughing today!
What Readers are Saying about Six
"If you need a good laugh, this is the series for you! Very well written, with a fun plot and a multitude of zany characters.""I'm not sure how Margaret Lashley does it, but she can take the average situation and turn it into a laugh-out-loud adventure." "Don't read on the public transit! You might also want to make sure you are somewhere private so you don't get funny looks when the tears are rolling down your cheeks and your stomach hurts from laughing so hard." "I absolutely love this series and Margaret Lashley has a way of making real life shenanigans even more hilarious." "Whether this is your first or sixth book with Ms. Lashley you will become hooked on Val and her pals." "Love, Love! Funny, quirky main character that makes every one of these books a delight to read!" "If you’re a fan of Janet Evanovich, you’ll love Margaret Lashley. The characters and plots will leave you in stitches!" "Love me some Val! Wonderful characters, great setting, unbelievable adventures, laugh out loud situations."
473 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2018
About the author
Margaret Lashley
52 books275 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 31 reviews
March 27, 2018
Well, Milly and Vance tied the knot and brought home a 6th month old baby (the 4 legged kind). Milly needs a babysitter for Charmine but talks Val into doing it for 2 days. And Charmine hates Val. So she invites the boys over to help.
just when Val thinks she missed a bullet, Tom shows up with another dog, Buster and he loves Val.
20yrs ago a son burned up his mother, leaving only a foot. He was sentenced to 20yrs and got out last week. So Val has a murderer living right next door.
Tom and J.D. want to move in with Val and Laverne, but the girls not so much.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
just when Val thinks she missed a bullet, Tom shows up with another dog, Buster and he loves Val.
20yrs ago a son burned up his mother, leaving only a foot. He was sentenced to 20yrs and got out last week. So Val has a murderer living right next door.
Tom and J.D. want to move in with Val and Laverne, but the girls not so much.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
November 15, 2018
I'm not sure how Margaret Lashley does it, but she can take the average situation and turn it into a laugh-out-loud adventure. This is the perfect example of that ability. Val gets to dog-sit in this one, and while it seems simple, it is anything but. Plop yourself down in a comfy chair, grab some snacks and a good drink, and prepare to get lost for an afternoon. You won't want to put this one down! You might also want to make sure you are somewhere private so you don't get funny looks when the tears are rolling down your cheeks and your stomach hurts from laughing so hard. Yes, that is what you will experience... DON'T READ THIS ON THE PUBLIC TRANSIT!
July 4, 2025
This story is for the dogs
I admit Val drives me so crazy that I have to make myself not skip over paragraphs when she's over exaggerating something. She was convinced her neighbor was going to axe her up! She freaks out! That make me seriously anxious when I'm reading about her episodes.
Val is so scared of commitment that it's ruining her relationship with Tom. He must be a masochist to put up with her. I mean, who else would deal with her?! I also don't like that she uses Winky and Goober. Luckily they're both super chill because if they weren't, Val would have no friends.
The books in this series are nice and long - I like that.
Next is Seven Daze.
I admit Val drives me so crazy that I have to make myself not skip over paragraphs when she's over exaggerating something. She was convinced her neighbor was going to axe her up! She freaks out! That make me seriously anxious when I'm reading about her episodes.
Val is so scared of commitment that it's ruining her relationship with Tom. He must be a masochist to put up with her. I mean, who else would deal with her?! I also don't like that she uses Winky and Goober. Luckily they're both super chill because if they weren't, Val would have no friends.
The books in this series are nice and long - I like that.
Next is Seven Daze.
October 31, 2024
Val must have patience of a saint!
Val sure let her imagination run wide and it was very vivid. I found myself sucked right in to the sounds she heard, the sights she saw and the assumptions she made. Toms surprise had my heart racing and my imagination running as to what I would have done in that situation! I will say Val’s alternate use for the net had me laughing out loud. On thing was for sure, I don’t know how Val does it because Goober and Winky were on my last nerve! I can’t wait to see if they behave any better in Val’s next adventure.
Val sure let her imagination run wide and it was very vivid. I found myself sucked right in to the sounds she heard, the sights she saw and the assumptions she made. Toms surprise had my heart racing and my imagination running as to what I would have done in that situation! I will say Val’s alternate use for the net had me laughing out loud. On thing was for sure, I don’t know how Val does it because Goober and Winky were on my last nerve! I can’t wait to see if they behave any better in Val’s next adventure.
September 2, 2018
Who would have though Valiant Stranger would be afraid of dogs which is really a problem when she has to watch Milly's just adopted dog. Val and Laverne are both dreading cohabitation with their respective boyfriends. Then a strange man moves into the neighborhood and dogs begin to disappear while the neighbor grills mystery meat. Six Tricks is another mad romp with Val and the gang. I always have to stop whatever I am doing and just finish reading a Val adventure. I cannot put them down!
March 30, 2018
When your afraid of dogs, but your boss insists you watch their "little bundle of joy" well you have the makings of a truly funny story! Margaret Lashley has done it again. This series will make you cry with laughter......warning don't read in public. You will get funny, as in strange looks toward you! I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my opinion of it.
May 22, 2018
Dogs and Werewolves and Rednecks!
What a fun addition to the series! Who would've thought that Val doesn't get along with dogs? This story features all of Val's crazy friends and the interesting things they get involved in. It is witty and laugh-out-loud funny. I bought this book and this is my honest review.
What a fun addition to the series! Who would've thought that Val doesn't get along with dogs? This story features all of Val's crazy friends and the interesting things they get involved in. It is witty and laugh-out-loud funny. I bought this book and this is my honest review.
October 20, 2019
Cute, funny story but needs a decent proofreader!
While I adore the characters & predicaments in this series, the misspellings, swapped words, a duplicated passage, typos & many other errors which a good proofreading would catch before publication REALLY detracts from my reading enjoyment!
While I adore the characters & predicaments in this series, the misspellings, swapped words, a duplicated passage, typos & many other errors which a good proofreading would catch before publication REALLY detracts from my reading enjoyment!
December 25, 2019
Val needs to deal with her feelings about dogs
Does she hate dogs? Or fear them? Or can't abide being around them? As Val and her friends go about their lives, her feelings about dogs and humans resolve themselves in unlikely ways. This is yet another fun romp and is highly recommended.
Does she hate dogs? Or fear them? Or can't abide being around them? As Val and her friends go about their lives, her feelings about dogs and humans resolve themselves in unlikely ways. This is yet another fun romp and is highly recommended.
November 13, 2023
Aaaarrrghhhh Val, how do you make everything sooooo difficult for yourself!
I just love this series and if you were paid a million to come up with the terrible situations she gets into - you wouldn't be able to do it. (So as these are drawn from Margaret Lashley's own life experiences, it's gob smacking!) 😆
Keep on filling out hearts with laughter. 🫶
I just love this series and if you were paid a million to come up with the terrible situations she gets into - you wouldn't be able to do it. (So as these are drawn from Margaret Lashley's own life experiences, it's gob smacking!) 😆
Keep on filling out hearts with laughter. 🫶
June 18, 2018
Six Tricks
This was one of the funniest book that I have read yet. I love the way the story unfolded and the ride that we were taken on and now time for book seven. This is one of my favorite series to read.
This was one of the funniest book that I have read yet. I love the way the story unfolded and the ride that we were taken on and now time for book seven. This is one of my favorite series to read.
October 27, 2018
Fun with Val
This girl can get herself into so much trouble without even trying. These books are so much fun, and often laugh out loud funny. I have enjoyed them all and am looking forward to #7.
This girl can get herself into so much trouble without even trying. These books are so much fun, and often laugh out loud funny. I have enjoyed them all and am looking forward to #7.
October 12, 2019
A laugh a page
So funny and enjoyable to read. I usually can't read two "dumb" book's in a row, but Val is so interesting and likeable; trouble just seems to follower her around. I started with one last week , now I'm going on book 7
So funny and enjoyable to read. I usually can't read two "dumb" book's in a row, but Val is so interesting and likeable; trouble just seems to follower her around. I started with one last week , now I'm going on book 7
February 6, 2020
What more can I say about this series. It is absolutely awesome. I am an animal lover and I absolutely enjoyed this puppy themed book. Once again Maragaret Lashley has given us a wonderful laughable read. It is definitely a laugh out loud read.
July 1, 2021
Gets better
At first, I was really getting irritated with Val in Book 6. I've read the previous 5 books, so am familiar with her quirks, but this time, she was just exasperating. Finally, she begins to see things in a different light, and the book does have a nice ending.
At first, I was really getting irritated with Val in Book 6. I've read the previous 5 books, so am familiar with her quirks, but this time, she was just exasperating. Finally, she begins to see things in a different light, and the book does have a nice ending.
October 7, 2021
ABSOLUTELY wonderful
Love these stories. They sure hit home sometimes. Especially this one. I was traumatized as a young girl by my uncles dog. I was so scared i climbed up on a chest of drawers and thats where they found me an hour later. Funny now, not so funny then.
Love these stories. They sure hit home sometimes. Especially this one. I was traumatized as a young girl by my uncles dog. I was so scared i climbed up on a chest of drawers and thats where they found me an hour later. Funny now, not so funny then.
December 31, 2021
Great series of books.
This is one of best and funniest series that I've read in a long time. I would give it a five star rating. Val , Winky and Goober are in some sort of trouble all this time. I highly recommend this whole series of books.
This is one of best and funniest series that I've read in a long time. I would give it a five star rating. Val , Winky and Goober are in some sort of trouble all this time. I highly recommend this whole series of books.
January 13, 2022
Six Tricks: absolutely hilarious.
This book by Margaret Lashley is the funniest book I've ever read. It is full of interesting and entertaining malapropisms and euphemisms. It has been a joy to read, much better than fifth book in the series, Five Oh.
This book by Margaret Lashley is the funniest book I've ever read. It is full of interesting and entertaining malapropisms and euphemisms. It has been a joy to read, much better than fifth book in the series, Five Oh.
November 14, 2022
Creepy & hilarious!
This is a fun & creepy mystery! It definitely keeps you guessing! Plus lots of new budding romances to keep up with! I love the southern charm & Florida scenery ( being from Florida myself).
This is a fun & creepy mystery! It definitely keeps you guessing! Plus lots of new budding romances to keep up with! I love the southern charm & Florida scenery ( being from Florida myself).
May 10, 2024
Doggone Good!
A really good Installment in the life and times of Val and her odd ball friends.
Will be starting number seven straight away.
Not sure how many more characters I need before I can post...not a fan of the mandatory review.
A really good Installment in the life and times of Val and her odd ball friends.
Will be starting number seven straight away.
Not sure how many more characters I need before I can post...not a fan of the mandatory review.
September 2, 2018
Entertaining
I read all of the Val books and I found this book funny and in sync with the others. Love all of the characters.
I read all of the Val books and I found this book funny and in sync with the others. Love all of the characters.
February 7, 2019
I just love Val and friends. Laughed so hard while reading and enjoying this book. Can’t wait for next one.
July 23, 2019
A really great read
These books just keep getting better and funnier. Val and her friends do get up to some mischief. I can't wait to read the next book.
These books just keep getting better and funnier. Val and her friends do get up to some mischief. I can't wait to read the next book.
May 1, 2023
Stopped reading. Should have stopped a few books earlier.
June 6, 2023
Another winner!
This book was funny and fantastic. If you're looking for a fast-paced, lighthearted and funny read, this is it. Val and her friends are so much fun.
This book was funny and fantastic. If you're looking for a fast-paced, lighthearted and funny read, this is it. Val and her friends are so much fun.
June 7, 2023
Val Fremden is the best
I love Val and her friends. Now, on to the next adventure,! I know Val will not disappoint. Such a great read!
I love Val and her friends. Now, on to the next adventure,! I know Val will not disappoint. Such a great read!
October 11, 2023
Six Tricks Doggone Disaster
I laughed out loud so much in this book that I got funny looks from my family. Val Goober and Winky are hilarious in this book omg loved it.
I laughed out loud so much in this book that I got funny looks from my family. Val Goober and Winky are hilarious in this book omg loved it.
November 26, 2023
Face your fears and laugh out loud!
Honestly this is a fun series of silly and life lessons tangled up in the craziest bunch of characters and plots and plunders ever!
Honestly this is a fun series of silly and life lessons tangled up in the craziest bunch of characters and plots and plunders ever!
February 19, 2024
Funny fast read
Fast read. Funny. Clean. Val pal and her gang of friends never fail to put a smile on my face.
Fast read. Funny. Clean. Val pal and her gang of friends never fail to put a smile on my face.
September 19, 2025
Quick fun read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews