What do you think?
Rate this book
Val Fremden Mysteries #8
Figure Eight: Yard-Sale Karma
It’s Hammer Time!
Old habits die hard -- but old lounge chairs die harder.
Val knows she can’t solve all the world’s problems, so she’s settled on two: smashing every tacky figurine on the planet…and ridding the universe of her boyfriend’s hideous vinyl recliner.
During a neighborhood yard sale, the fate of Tom’s beloved chair comes down to a wager. But what Val antes up in exchange proves hard to live without, and soon has her wrestling the demons she keeps locked in her closet – both literally and figuratively.
With an old nemesis breathing down her back and a dear friend missing in action, Val soon finds herself jonesing for more than ordinary justice.
Who’ll win the battle of wills? Who’ll lose? And who in the world is Sir Albert Snoggles, III?
Come along for the ride as Val’s “Hammer of Justice” lays waste to atrocities of both the ceramic and non-ceramic kind -- and the gang learns that when you mess around with Karma, just who ends up dealing the final blow is anybody’s guess.
Old habits die hard -- but old lounge chairs die harder.
Val knows she can’t solve all the world’s problems, so she’s settled on two: smashing every tacky figurine on the planet…and ridding the universe of her boyfriend’s hideous vinyl recliner.
During a neighborhood yard sale, the fate of Tom’s beloved chair comes down to a wager. But what Val antes up in exchange proves hard to live without, and soon has her wrestling the demons she keeps locked in her closet – both literally and figuratively.
With an old nemesis breathing down her back and a dear friend missing in action, Val soon finds herself jonesing for more than ordinary justice.
Who’ll win the battle of wills? Who’ll lose? And who in the world is Sir Albert Snoggles, III?
Come along for the ride as Val’s “Hammer of Justice” lays waste to atrocities of both the ceramic and non-ceramic kind -- and the gang learns that when you mess around with Karma, just who ends up dealing the final blow is anybody’s guess.
- GenresMystery
459 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2018
537 people are currently reading
179 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!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 16, 2018
These books are great
I love these books tho I have to say this one wasn't my favourite. I have read all the previous numbers and somehow this one didn't quite make me laugh as most of the others did. I will however be reading number nine, just to find out what adventures Val gets into next.
I love these books tho I have to say this one wasn't my favourite. I have read all the previous numbers and somehow this one didn't quite make me laugh as most of the others did. I will however be reading number nine, just to find out what adventures Val gets into next.
November 15, 2018
One of my favorite things about this series is the emotional growth of the characters. Each story has a heart-felt story that twines through the craziness. It takes a real-life situation and adds humor to lighten that. Maybe that is because Val is so well written, or maybe it's because Margaret Lashley understands that life can be hard and we need to be able to laugh about it. I guess it doesn't matter so much as to the why, only that it happens. This is one of those books that make you want to curl up in a cozy chair and forget the world. Fabulous characters, fast-paced excitement, touching situations, and more laugh-out-loud moments than I could count are the things you will find in the pages of this one. It shouldn't be missed!
November 18, 2024
The many faces of Val
Figure Eight was by far the most frustrating of the series. Val experienced every emotion a person can and still did not change. As a vested reader and Lashley’s way of bringing life to her characters I wanted to grab Val by the shoulders and tell her to get counseling! Happy Val, sad Val, angry Val, crazy Val and all other little faces on the emotion chart, and Tom keeps trying and returning. Heck, even Glad keeps popping into Val’s thoughts “What are you winning, holding onto your anger?” And for the love of God, it is scary when Laverne has figured out “Happiness is an inside job” and Val just keeps down the same track.
Figure Eight was by far the most frustrating of the series. Val experienced every emotion a person can and still did not change. As a vested reader and Lashley’s way of bringing life to her characters I wanted to grab Val by the shoulders and tell her to get counseling! Happy Val, sad Val, angry Val, crazy Val and all other little faces on the emotion chart, and Tom keeps trying and returning. Heck, even Glad keeps popping into Val’s thoughts “What are you winning, holding onto your anger?” And for the love of God, it is scary when Laverne has figured out “Happiness is an inside job” and Val just keeps down the same track.
August 29, 2018
I love this series and love Margaret Lashley who is so good at turning a phrase. The lives of our main characters Val and Tom will keep you laughing. Then check out our background player's to add a little interest and intrigue to the story. Laverne, Winky and Winnie are front and center. One of my favorite books in this series from one of my favorite writers.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it.
August 29, 2018
You Be You and I'll Be Me
Wonderful addition to this fun and funny series. Val faces down her figurine terminator existence. The plot is as twisted and funny as all of the previous books in the series. The group of her quirky friends expands for even more craziness. The book is quite believable because I think that I am related to most of these people! I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.
Wonderful addition to this fun and funny series. Val faces down her figurine terminator existence. The plot is as twisted and funny as all of the previous books in the series. The group of her quirky friends expands for even more craziness. The book is quite believable because I think that I am related to most of these people! I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.
August 31, 2018
What fun this series is. Probably the cast of characters is my favorite things about the series. Just picturing in my mind what these weird and wonderful people look like. I'm sure each of us readers has a different picture in their mind but it adds such laughs and a sweetness that all types of individuals can make a cohesive "family" for Val. Keep them coming and I'll keep on reading.
September 26, 2018
Another great romp with Val and her Pals. I am beginning to think I may be related to some of Val's crazy friends. This book has all the usual shenanigans, mystery, mayhem and shady lawyers. Be prepared to finish this once you start as you will not want to put it down!
October 24, 2018
Fast Friends
Love the characters as developed. Plots always keep me moving forward. And, Val and her pals have become like family as I have read them all sequentially with no others in between. Afraid I am going to experience withdrawal.
Love the characters as developed. Plots always keep me moving forward. And, Val and her pals have become like family as I have read them all sequentially with no others in between. Afraid I am going to experience withdrawal.
July 29, 2019
Very funny
I love these books. Val and her friends make me laugh because of the things they do. Once I start reading I can't stop until I've read the entire book. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
I love these books. Val and her friends make me laugh because of the things they do. Once I start reading I can't stop until I've read the entire book. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.
January 4, 2020
Watch for the twists
As always, good, down-home fun that tends toward the ornery. Val is in rare form, her neighbor is still doing her best to learn to cook, and the rest of the crew is in rare form. Have fun reading this one!
As always, good, down-home fun that tends toward the ornery. Val is in rare form, her neighbor is still doing her best to learn to cook, and the rest of the crew is in rare form. Have fun reading this one!
May 30, 2022
Figure Eight: An entertaining book.
This book by Margaret Lashly has a lot of unusual characters who do nonsensical things, sometimes humerous. The main character is a dingbat who is very vulnerable to taking the wrong action.
This book by Margaret Lashly has a lot of unusual characters who do nonsensical things, sometimes humerous. The main character is a dingbat who is very vulnerable to taking the wrong action.
January 19, 2023
Enjoyable
So far the books in this series have been good easy reads. The stories are interesting and I've found myself laughing out loud a few times. Getting ready to start the 9th book in the series.
So far the books in this series have been good easy reads. The stories are interesting and I've found myself laughing out loud a few times. Getting ready to start the 9th book in the series.
November 28, 2023
wow this was a fast read!
Start with book 1! Then binge read right through!
Great characters that get collected like precious gems on a shelf! I have no idea where you would put that shelf, but I guarantee it will be a conversation piece!
Start with book 1! Then binge read right through!
Great characters that get collected like precious gems on a shelf! I have no idea where you would put that shelf, but I guarantee it will be a conversation piece!
September 3, 2018
Weird people, funny figures and old chairs.......that is Val's morning!!!
Can the rest get any worse?
It could if your name is Val!!!
Can the rest get any worse?
It could if your name is Val!!!
September 28, 2018
Funny, quick read
I love this series. But I am gonna miss Val and pals as will be ending with the next book. 😐
I love this series. But I am gonna miss Val and pals as will be ending with the next book. 😐
November 11, 2018
A fun read. Very entertaining with memorable characters.
November 4, 2019
Cute easy read
No real crescendo in this story, but Val gets i to do many car,y situations, it creates a constant "what next."
No real crescendo in this story, but Val gets i to do many car,y situations, it creates a constant "what next."
March 9, 2021
Cute. Easy going and nice to read on the bus, but nothing special. Has some good dialogue, some crazy, funny characters. Overall cute.
October 21, 2021
ABSOLUTELY Hilarious
A must read. Val is a younger version of me. I love every adventure she is saddled with. I laughed with each one. Can't wait for the next episode.
A must read. Val is a younger version of me. I love every adventure she is saddled with. I laughed with each one. Can't wait for the next episode.
August 13, 2022
Love these!! Have read all in the series in like 3 weeks!
June 18, 2023
Val Fremden is a great character
Ready to move to book 9 but sad this is all we have for now! Love this series …. Want more of it
Ready to move to book 9 but sad this is all we have for now! Love this series …. Want more of it
October 14, 2023
Figure Right Yard Sale Karma
This book was funny but not as funny has book six. Hoping that the next book is really good seeing as book 9 is the last book in the series.
This book was funny but not as funny has book six. Hoping that the next book is really good seeing as book 9 is the last book in the series.
February 22, 2024
Redneck funny
Val and her crew never fail to make you laugh. And the new characters that pop in are always a hoot.
Val and her crew never fail to make you laugh. And the new characters that pop in are always a hoot.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews