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Nothing Could Prepare You to Meet the Preppers ...

All Bobbie Drex wanted was something normal—a new career as a private investigator. But after signing up with Nick Grayson to complete her internship, nothing normal has happened since.

In fact, when Grayson gets a call about a possible alien invasion going down in Plant City, Florida, normal packs its bags and books a flight for another planet.

Man pudding. Doomsday preppers. Wayne’s World wannabees ….

Not to mention the whole “living with a stranger in an RV” thing.

The horrors!

Good thing she’s packing a Glock—and enough snark to qualify as a lethal backup weapon.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2020

813 people are currently reading
182 people want to read

About the author

Margaret Lashley

51 books264 followers
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!

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5 stars
442 (48%)
4 stars
271 (29%)
3 stars
163 (17%)
2 stars
23 (2%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
Profile Image for Sabine.
602 reviews91 followers
June 10, 2020
Another crazy ride in this series. Laugh out loud funny in some place and chuckle worthy funny in others combined with some seriously wacky characters.
Not your regular mystery ... but so much fun.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,171 reviews132 followers
May 11, 2024
"Grayson’s face grew somber. “Sure you do. You already figured out the biggest clue.” “What?” “I see it on your face. Fear.” He locked eyes with me. “Never forget that. The game is always about fear. Identify your fears, and you have a chance of conquering them.”

This first hook in this series was a hoot. However this next one didn't do it for me and I didn't finish it. 2/5
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,542 reviews325 followers
July 10, 2022
This was book 2 in the "Freaky Florida Mystery Adventures" Bobbie wanted excitement and adventure and she got it in this book. Bobbie is getting her PI license she's interning with Grayson. This book had some laugh out loud moments alone with aliens, zombies and preppers I loved it. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Cujo.
217 reviews12 followers
May 1, 2022
2nd book in the Freaky Florida Mystery series and i think I liked this one just as much if not more then the 1st. The chemistry between the 2 main characters is awesome and definitely reminds me of a comedic Moulder and Scully
Profile Image for Ziggy Nixon.
1,169 reviews36 followers
February 26, 2021
3-ish stars. Not a negative rating at all but just not up to where my expectations were based on the first book. A good one-sitting read noting that, yes, I fully intend to keep going in this series albeit maybe not one right after another (reminder: I read book 1 after a particularly stressful run of world-ending apocalyptic novels and it was like aloe on a Tallahassee sunburn... noting I had to google how to spell that... the city, not the skin condition).

Lashley's writing is again 'smooth' in her 2nd FFM Adventures installment although a lot of the charm and mystery is missing that made the first book such a riot. Instead of some bonus 'urban fantasy' bits like last time, this tale is just a complex murder mystery, full stop. OK, technically maybe not murder but you'll see... But going around wondering aloud if Greek gods or gray aliens or goodness knows what may be involved does not count as full-fledged weirdness and certainly not at the same level of Mothman attacks. Granted the one scene that reveals the presence of the 'inhuman monster' in this tale is worth the price of admission - it is Florida after all - but I missed the genuine cryptoid angle considerably.

And even though her characters remain well-formed with just the right amount of mystery included (and there will be more reveals methinks, nodding at the rotund cousin for one), Lashley I think dropped the ball by not including more, um, 'instances' of Drex's new-found visionary powers. That really surprised me and no, the weird "I'm sleeping on an uncomfortable couch" dreams don't count. Also, where I found so many quote-worthy snippets scattered throughout the first book - almost like the author had been saving them up - here the writing was again good but with nothing much in terms of prose to put down in an inspiration journal, if such things exist. I guess I was just expecting too much. But I've already said that. At least once.

Look, the book is a good and amusing little murder mystery that for all these minor points I'm raising was entertaining, noting that I enjoyed it in one evening's longish reading session. If you're from Florida or have visited same (I qualify for neither), I'm sure it hit right on target.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,275 reviews98 followers
May 19, 2019
Bobbie is trying to get her Private Investigator License. She has to intern with a real PI for two years....this is where Grayson comes into play, only he isn't your typical PI. He does paranormal investigations. From all the money he has, it must pay really well. After Bobbie's 'accident' of being shot in the head and 'see dead people', she fits right in...kinda. They are off to Florida to see about an alien invasion. Oh and don't forget, Bobbie is tracing around in an old RV with a stranger. But sit back and get your seat belt on....things are going to be even stranger. I voluntarily reviewed a free ARC of this book.
2,710 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2021
So you like my little elephant? Eeww!

I don’t know if it takes getting shot in the head to make you reevaluate your priorities in life, but it seems to have worked with Bobbie Drex. In any case, she has abandoned her automotive repair shop and is now an intern for private investigator/monster hunter Nick Grayson. They are currently trundling around Florida trying to discover who or what made corpse custard out of a prepper operative and their investigative style is truly amazing!

This story had me laughing out loud. I’m not sure even what genre to put it in. It’s the first book I have read by this author and I am definitely going to read more. I finished the book in one day.
74 reviews
February 3, 2026
Still too much burping and farting, and where did that third eye psychic pretty thing go?, but I keep trying to guess the ending and had to keep changing my guess and at the very end I wasn't even close, although I'm a very bad guesser. The characters shouldn't have been likeable but by the end I liked the redneck doomsday preppers and the conclusion, along with all the stops along the way made total sense to me.

Just one thing: Why did the middle aged MIT physics professor who eats a ton and never seems to work out have a six pack? The desperate, horny emotionally unstable heroine could not stop thinking about Professor Six Pack's body.
8 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2019
WOW…Lashley does it again. Installment #2 in this rare book series is another that one reads with a perma-press smile. The laugh out loud banter between the main characters moves almost as fast as the twists, turns and u-turns of the mystery. The situational descriptions of many of the player’s actions and activities are unforgettable. Bobbie’s unspoken thoughts…are as humorous as what she says out loud.

I was happy to read that Bobbie’s gentle giant cousin made a re-appearance to contribute a bit of his bawdy humor.

Whodunit? You will not guess until the shocking moment of reveal.
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
January 11, 2024
Outrageous Antics

So Bobby has teamed up with Grayson to explore the unknown in his van. He is a licensed detective, so 2 years experience with him will enable her to get her detectives license. They are off to investigate a potential alien situation. Oh my, they have driven into a doomsday preppers town. Talk about your conspiracy nuts. This book made me think of the old Zero Mostel movie, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Everybody is running around like crazy with their own agenda, but then miraculously it all comes together in the end.
29 reviews
December 29, 2025
I realize that my adoration for this book likely stems from the read I read: escapism. It is not in anyway related to my day to day life. I really resonated with the town doctor’s reason for his wacky wardrobe :)

Garth and Earl are by far my favorite characters. Their voices are definitely caricatures - at least I hope so!

I can’t tell if Grayson believes the things he says or if he’s in it for the money and adventure. Or maybe he is a little off because he has dementia or a brain tumor or something. Either way, I love this series so far!
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
May 4, 2019
Dr. Prepper is an amusing tale of the extraterrestrial, or is it? Bobbie Drex joins Grayson for her internship to become a private investigator. She needs to start trusting her visions and sharing them with Grayson. Full of wacky characters, amazing descriptions, and lots of theories of the supernatural and the unknown, this book makes for a funny mystery.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
27 reviews
August 8, 2019
Funny and always something going on!

Drex is starting her P.I. training with Grayson. Easy peasy. Or not. Maybe aliens are killing people. Or zombies. Or mythical creatures. What is going on? Lots of snark, that's what. Funny, not too scary, and a good read! I'm enjoying this new series by Margaret Lashley. She keeps you reading and laughing and waiting for what happens next. Can't wait for the third book!
Profile Image for Myra Ball.
649 reviews
March 24, 2020
Humor with a side of weird

Lashley is such a talented author that really captures the southern "red-neck" attitude. The rural south is made up of many who are educated but still has that creative southern imagination. She can write red-neck characters like Earl yet it doesn't feel like she's making fun of the stereotype. That's impressive. Her plots are excellent with humor that's laugh-out-loud funny.
5 reviews
March 17, 2021
I came up on this offer by accident. And I love her books. They're witty, they keep your interest, and there's always a surprise around every corner. I found myself laughing out loud while reading both this and her first book. Although I've moved on to a different genre, I will be back to read the third book in the series. I highly recommend this if you need something to put a little chuckle in your day.
428 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2023
Silly light reading, took a break from my regular genre and read one and two. Ok if your into monster hunters with one being in constant turmoil and the other a bland believer. Throw in a few weird happenings and some odd characters and you have a strange group of hunters. Just not funny enough to keep me wanting more. The situations call for more comedy so the storyline just comes off as weird to me.
Profile Image for Melissa Dinwiddie.
269 reviews14 followers
July 2, 2019
Snappy Comedic Take on the X-Files

I am in love with this series! Snappy dialogue, wacky characters, nutty situations all combine to make a brew that kept me turning (virtual) pages and laughing, ready to gobble up the next in the series. I hope Margaret Lashley keeps ‘em coming, because I’m hungry to keep reading this fantastic series!
50 reviews
May 22, 2020
Crazy funny!

This second book in the series is even funnier than the first, 'Moth Busters', and that's saying a lot.The characters are having a good time, the storyline is crazy, and all you want is more! I'm really glad I found this author, it's a whole new weird world when she writes the book. I'm looking forward to Oral Robbers next.
1 review
November 21, 2020
Love this author

I started reading the Freaky Florida mystery adventures after finishing the Val Fremden series. I love all the colorful characters Margaret Lashley comes up with and enjoy laughing my way through all the Crazy Florida adventures. Can't wait to see where Drex and Grayson will turn up next!


Profile Image for gojenn.
275 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2021
Good mystery that's LOL Funny!

I read a lot - mostly serious stuff. But every now and then you need a palate cleanser. Lashley's breezy style and crazy characters provide that and more. As you follow the solid mystery along, you get to laugh at the hilarity all around.
I love the series & will continue to follow where Lashley leads.
483 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2021
What do end of the world preppers, love gone bad, a truck full of caskets and a corndog with tequila have to do with each other? You'll never know unless you read this quirky, offbeat hunt for the paranormal. This one gives you reason to believe that the Florida Man freakiness isn't just fueled by substance abuse. Seriously though, it's a humorous read.
Profile Image for Carol Ann.
169 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2021
A fun read!

Ms. Lashley writes a funny story with lots of extra fun information. Plenty of characters to meet and follow to a nice clean wrap up. I don’t very often buy the books 📚 I read but I bought this one after finishing her free first book in this series and completely enjoyed their adventure.
Profile Image for Cheryl Lee.
203 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2022
Excellent Stories

Tongue in cheek murder mysteries with a touch of paranormal activity thrown in. Comedic relief from the two investigators adds to the fun ! As a Florida native it’s always funny to poke fun at my home state and the author manages to poke fun like a native! Time to read the next adventure!
Profile Image for Angie Anderson.
584 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2023
This is a terrific series

From a boring life of scratching just to lay the power bill to a life of the truly bizarre in less than a week, what else could happen? Bobbie is breaking away from her roots and entering a new job with Grayson. Can they survive the strange occurrences known as Florida Man?
Profile Image for John Nix.
23 reviews7 followers
July 13, 2025
Dr Prepper Is A Must Read

Dr. Prepper is a vibrant, humorous mystery perfect for fans of quirky Southern-fried thrillers. The setting brings all the absurd charm of Florida—preppers, RVs, and all—while Bobbie and Grayson’s chemistry propels the story forward. If you enjoy fast-moving plots, laughs, and light paranormal intrigue, this book delivers.
Profile Image for Sandy.
883 reviews15 followers
June 23, 2019
What a fun book! Hold onto your hat, because you’re in for one wild and crazy ride! As expected of this author, the writing is top-notch, the plot is tight and multi-layered, and the characters are well drawn and hilarious. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Jeanne  Brewer.
272 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2019
More laughs as the zombie apocalypse approaches

Crazy characters, literally. Good ole boys. Breeder women with wide hips. Good guy with beaver teeth. Preppers. Old man naked on a strawberry water tower. Mad cow disease in Florida? Have fun! Oh, yeah - recommended.
Profile Image for Steve Hildebrand.
263 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2020
Somewhat complicated and figure out

This was an interesting story but I'm not sure I understood and grasped the characters and the plot of the book. I did enjoy some pieces of story and the humor was great.
Profile Image for Tobi Weiss bound.
15 reviews
July 17, 2020
A fun jaunt through Plant City.

in the spirit of Hiaacin these likable characters interact with the qwerky folk you find all around Florida. Fun mystery that keeps you guessing what's going to happen next. Looking forward to the next in the series.
171 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2020
Margaret Lashley has provided yet another hilariously funny segment in this series. The book has laughter and mayhem jostling each other for first place as the story races from start to finish. Read and enjoy. You won't regret it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews

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