Cloud Nine: When Pigs Fly

Val Fremden Mysteries #9

by Margaret Lashley

Change Happens. Even When it Doesn’t Make Any Cents. Planning for a rainy day has never been Val’s forte. But when a storm brews up right in her own backyard, Val’s forced to get off her lounge chair and spring into action. A shady, ham-fisted developer’s threatening to knock down Val’s favorite beach haunt, along with all the precious memories held within its shabby walls. With the owner’s signature on the bill of sale, the plan seems like a done deal. Or is it? Something fishy is going on at the beach, and it’s going to take all the wits Val can muster to put a pig-headed developer out to pasture. But with her friend Goober missing in action, can Val get her act – and her troops – together in time to keep Sunset Beach from being wiped off the map? Sandwiched between ghosts of the past and hopes for the future, Val needs to whip up a miracle if she’s going to save her own bacon…. If you like wacky, deeply flawed characters and laugh-out-loud situations, you’ll love Cloud Nine! It’s the ninth and final book in Margaret Lashley’s hilarious Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series. If you enjoy Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum or Jana Deleon's Fortune Redding, you'll probably find yourself resonating with Val Fremden, too. She's a lovable, bungling mess who's a bit older, a tad more jaded, and a ton more experienced in big-time failure. Life’s been tough for Val. Still, she always manages to find her way with sardonic humor and an intrepid spirit. A gin and tonic now and then helps, too.

Life’s a beach and then you die. If you’re ready for a good laugh and a great mystery, check out Cloud Nine. Florida-based mysteries don't get any wackier—or truly heartfelt. What Readers are Saying about Cloud

Genres: Mystery

503 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2018

About the author

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!

Reviews

[Samantha Henthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww, the end of the series. I would recommend the whole thing. In this last episode, we get to find out the truth about Goober and there are happy endings all round. Plus Laverne gets a pet pig -why wouldn't she?

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate endings! Everyone who knows me, or has read my reviews, knows this. I usually try to avoid reading the final book a series as a way of denial - if I don't read it then it isn't over... I know that isn't logical, but that's me. Anywho, I have loved this series from the very beginning and part of me is heartbroken that this is the end, but this ending does justice to the series and I loved it. The adventure is just as crazy, the character are still quirky, and I laughed out loud so much my kids thought I was crazy. It has all the heart of the rest of the books, too. I love that blend of sometimes getting tears in my eyes because of the depth of emotions and then laughing because of the crazy things this group of crazies finds themselves in. I know I will read this series over and over and I can't thank Margaret Lashley enough for sharing her incredible imagination with the rest of the world. If you are a fan of Janet Evanovich then you will fall in love with this series!

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the first book in this series I loved it. I never expected the rest of the series was going to introduce me to the wackiest, weirdest, most wonderful cast of characters I've ever come across. The escapades that this group gets involved in are laugh out loud funny. What draws all these crazies together? It's that magnet, Val. I can't believe this is the final book in the series. I felt it could go on forever and I'm going to miss this group of ragtag misfits. I've loved them all and they brought so many hours of pure pleasure. Thank you, Margaret Lashley, for introducing me to a genre that was different than my normal read and opening up a whole new group of works to look forward to.

[Lynda Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Series I've Read in a Long Time

I've just finished the last book in the Val Pal series, and I'm so sad to see the story wind down. Often I'll read a few books in a series, then gradually loose interest. Val and her gang sunk their teeth into my imagination, and hung on like a rabid Rottweiler. I can't remember when I've laughed so heartily, and irritated my family by making me share a scene with them, over and over. The characters were so tangible, and the crazy situations so plausible with them in the driver's seat. Will be reading more of Lashley's books, lots of them. Let the journey continue!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cloud Nine: When Pigs Fly is (supposedly) the last mad romp with Val and friends. I have loved each book in this wild ride! I hate to see it end. Goober is still missing but the rest of the zany characters, including the pig, are back in this story. Val is on a mission to prevent a greedy developer from tearing down Caddy's and Winnie & Winky's place and putting up a high rise development.Val learn's JD has sold his house and Greg has sold Caddy's so it appears to be too late. Will Val prevail? You will not want to miss this book!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say it isn't so! This can't be the last time I visit my friends in St. Pete. Goober is still missing. There's a developer in town who wants to developed the beach where Winnie and Winky have their donut and tackle shop. He has already bought J.D.'s house and Caddy's bar, will the donut and tackle shop be next?
Will Val find Goober? What will happen to Caddy's?. Will Winnie and Winky get married? All of your questions will be answered, even why everybody gets sick from eating Laverne's cooking.
I recent a free copy of this book and chose to review it.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everyone of these stories from the beginning. Cloud Nine has Val up against a shady developer who wants to knock down Val's favorite beach place. Ah the memories, both good and bad are there. Can she find a way to stop him? Then there is the case of The Missing Goober! He has left her clues, but can she find him? There is a lot going on in this book. You will get the giggles, and you will get upset at times. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. I hate to see this series end.

[Jeanne Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Val's story is coming to an end, but her legacy remains

I'm so glad that all the loose ends are NOT tied up with perfect little bows. Yes, some issues are resolved. Some couples stayed together, or not. Some friends were lost or found and stayed around Sunset Beach, or not. But, like in life, some questions about the future remain unanswered. And we learn that future stories about Val and her crew may be made available to the faithful. Yes! Recommended

[Hollie Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I have fallen in love with this band of misfits and all the mayhem that follows poor Val around. I can't imagine having friends or experiences like these in real life, I'd probably have already had a heart attack dealing with any of the very long line of things they go through. Man what a riot for reading it is though. I will definitely be looking for all of this author's books and snatching them up.

[melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read throughout the series

This entire series was a great read. I laughed out loud and got very attached to this wacky crew. While I will never live in Florida, I have had to start over more than once. As I approach my 45th birthday it was very sweet to read the last bit of this book. Gives me hope that I too can learn to love where I am at. Thank you for writing this. I love the Freaky Florida books so far and can't wait for the next instalment!

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luau's and Larceny
This is a fun episode of Val Fremden's life. As with previous episodes, if anything can go wrong, it will. There are more laugh-out-loud moments than you can count. The secret to Laverne's cooking is discovered, to everyone's delight. I am sorry to see this series end, it has been a hoot! I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read every episode from Absolute Zero to Cloud Nine, I can say the journey has included a few tears and so many laughs. I love these characters and hate to see the series end but this story does this perfectly. Not one book in this series will disappoint you if you enjoy laughs and mystery.

I received this as an ARC from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[jovialjewel27 · Rating 4 out of 5]

having completed the series. i must admit it was an emotional roller coaster. there were funny moments where i literally laughed out loud and there were annoying moments where i was just outright annoyed with val.
all in all it was an very entertaining read i fell in love with each and everyone of the crazy characters. margaret lashley sure has an imagination for weird.

[Margaret Lipscomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true red neck story !

The 3 Stooges, friends,dogs,cats and a pig make this story very interesting. Some of the stuff was too much for me,but it ends very nicely. This is a 9 book set. The first one starts them all off well. The titles are clever too. This is based in South Florida complete with humidity and hot weather. Now you can get reading !

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! my heart

In true Lahley style, When Pigs Fly is a gentle roller coaster of emotions. However, his edition of Val’s life left a little part of my heart hurting. Like many I resist change and want nothing more then the group we have grown to love to stay the same but we don’t always get what we want.

[Shawn Mcdowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Pigs F)y

This was a great story and I love all the wacky characters that are in it. I love how it starts off and the trouble beings and how they get it straightened out. You will love this book.

[D.J. WAITE · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Val Laughs

Val and her friends are back with more laughs, and mysteries to solve. In this 9th book in series, I enjoyed the friendships that have grown over time, and how the characters both change and stay the same. A fun read, I didn't want it to end.

[William Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cloud Nine: A fun book to read.

This book by Margaret Lashley is a delight to read if you like unusual characters. There is plenty of unusual and unexpected action in the books in the Val Fremden series.

[Kandis Redman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cloud Nine When Pigs Fly

I really liked this series and hate to see this was the last book. Val, Winky, Goober, and the rest is the gang are going to be missed. They are funny at there best.

[Kathy Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series!

I love the whole series. This was as usual, funny and fun to read. I'm glad, pun intended, to see that there is another Val Fremden book. I highly recommend this series!

[Vesta Tobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughter..fun.

This serie kept me on my toes throughout.. I laughed out loud. I marvell at her creative descriptions.
The books were so fun and interesting that I read the entire series in three days!!

[Lisa E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been down…

But this Val series kept me light-heartedly looking forward. And this during the toughest challenge I’ve ever faced. You can still laugh out loud, even when you are the only one there. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Evonne Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious take on life,love and.....pigs
Val is still in search of Goober and Tom is trying for a healthy lifestyle!
A story line fit to tickle your funny bone

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Join Val, Tom, their motley crew of zany, fun loving beach bum friends, Randolph, and Nancy, the neighborhood enforcer wannabe, in this hilarious case. A full house of crazies.

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/review/R8N16AC...

[Erin Stubblefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I really enjoy the minor characters like Winky andGoober. I am sad to see the series end! Perhaps a spin-off is in the cards?

[Madeleine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I read all of the books. LOVE that they are perfect for anyone 12 yrs and up. While I am older... I love to recommend books like these to the kids at school.

[Patricia H. Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Val and Friends

I have not enjoyed a read so much in a very long time. I was laughing out loud often. I highly recommend this read.

[Gracie Boissel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. The quirky friends are always fun guessing what they will get into.

[Lesley Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny

I love these books they are so funny following Val and her friends escapades. Plenty of farts and a pig called Randolph. I'm sad that this was the last book.