What do you think?
A Doreen Diller Mystery #1
Almost a Serial Killer
The Grits are About to Hit the Fan.
The Golden Girls meets Married to the Mob in this madcap mystery series packing Mafioso-style mayhem and a generous dollop of Southern-style sarcasm. A laugh-out-loud treat sure to satisfy fans of cozy mysteries and women’s fiction alike.
When wannabe actress Doreen Diller takes a job with her celebrity crush, his new acting gig takes them on location to St. Petersburg, Florida. What awaits Doreen in the Sunshine State will seal her fate -- in the form of a role she didn't see coming and a family she didn't bargain for.
She took a stab at stardom. It stabbed back.
Doreen Diller wants to be a movie star. But after 15 years of failed auditions she’s yet to garner a single callback from a Hollywood producer. Determined to hit the big time before she turns 40, she pins her hopes on a job as the personal assistant to soap-opera heartthrob Tad Longmire.
He could be the answer to her dreams—or the beginning of her nightmares.
While filming a new TV series starring Tad, a stabbing death rocks the set. Unfortunately for Doreen, the role of murder suspect is finally one she appears ideally suited to play.
With a homicide rap threatening to curtain both her and her acting career, Doreen is forced to seek help from an oddball assortment of friends and family she’s only just met. As she scrambles to clear her name, it’s not long before she discovers that when it comes to showbiz, everybody’s working their own angle—and the only type of restraint her new-found family practices usually involves zip-ties.
Fans of the Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series will fall in love with Doreen Diller! Perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano, Janet Evanovich, Julie Mulhern, Gretchen Archer, Jana DeLeon, Jasmine Webb, Tricia O'Malley, Gina Lamanna, Leslie Langtry and Deborah Brown.
The Golden Girls meets Married to the Mob in this madcap mystery series packing Mafioso-style mayhem and a generous dollop of Southern-style sarcasm. A laugh-out-loud treat sure to satisfy fans of cozy mysteries and women’s fiction alike.
When wannabe actress Doreen Diller takes a job with her celebrity crush, his new acting gig takes them on location to St. Petersburg, Florida. What awaits Doreen in the Sunshine State will seal her fate -- in the form of a role she didn't see coming and a family she didn't bargain for.
She took a stab at stardom. It stabbed back.
Doreen Diller wants to be a movie star. But after 15 years of failed auditions she’s yet to garner a single callback from a Hollywood producer. Determined to hit the big time before she turns 40, she pins her hopes on a job as the personal assistant to soap-opera heartthrob Tad Longmire.
He could be the answer to her dreams—or the beginning of her nightmares.
While filming a new TV series starring Tad, a stabbing death rocks the set. Unfortunately for Doreen, the role of murder suspect is finally one she appears ideally suited to play.
With a homicide rap threatening to curtain both her and her acting career, Doreen is forced to seek help from an oddball assortment of friends and family she’s only just met. As she scrambles to clear her name, it’s not long before she discovers that when it comes to showbiz, everybody’s working their own angle—and the only type of restraint her new-found family practices usually involves zip-ties.
Fans of the Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series will fall in love with Doreen Diller! Perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano, Janet Evanovich, Julie Mulhern, Gretchen Archer, Jana DeLeon, Jasmine Webb, Tricia O'Malley, Gina Lamanna, Leslie Langtry and Deborah Brown.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2022
About the author
Margaret Lashley
53 books283 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 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 28, 2026
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲. 😊
It starts off slowly, but really picks up after the halfway point and becomes surprisingly engaging.
Not particularly deep, and the main character felt a little basic, but it was easy, entertaining, and enjoyable enough.
𝗔 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱.
It starts off slowly, but really picks up after the halfway point and becomes surprisingly engaging.
Not particularly deep, and the main character felt a little basic, but it was easy, entertaining, and enjoyable enough.
𝗔 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱.
August 8, 2026
3.5 quick entertaining read
August 4, 2025
3.5-3.7 stars. Pretty good and funny book.
April 11, 2023
Punny Funny
Doreen Diller has wanted to be a movie star and has hoped to hit the big time for 15 years. When she finally gets to meet her heartthrob, things don’t go quite as planned. In fact nothing goes as planned from that moment on. Doreen rescues her boss from certain humiliation by moving him to Florida for a low budget film. What happens next is murderous. But the antics of the characters will have you in stitches as they roll out one punch line after another. Enjoy the read!
Doreen Diller has wanted to be a movie star and has hoped to hit the big time for 15 years. When she finally gets to meet her heartthrob, things don’t go quite as planned. In fact nothing goes as planned from that moment on. Doreen rescues her boss from certain humiliation by moving him to Florida for a low budget film. What happens next is murderous. But the antics of the characters will have you in stitches as they roll out one punch line after another. Enjoy the read!
Read
June 27, 2022If you’re looking for some intrigue and suspense mixed with a big helping of situational humor, pack a copy of Margaret Lashley’s ALMOST A SERIAL KILLER in your beach bag!
Read BookTrib's Full Review.
Read BookTrib's Full Review.
April 7, 2023
Fun read, great for summer
Might read it again. This was a unique storyline and heroine, with a smattering of some of the things we loved best about brave women who are sometimes prone to making errors in life in what used to be called chick lit: fun women-advocating humorous and light pieces about what is really a serious topic... in this case, murder, and whether or not it's okay to call some women bimbos and kill them, while using puns. Lighten up people, that's what the state of Florida is all about, and it's fitting this story moves from LA to Florida and finds its laid-back quirky side and beautiful gulf beaches. If you're easily offended, you might need to visit in person. People aren't really crazy there, although you can't always tell from the news and the humorous mystery novelists who love to set their quirky characters in Florida. Come on in, the water's fine. Just don't get burned.
Might read it again. This was a unique storyline and heroine, with a smattering of some of the things we loved best about brave women who are sometimes prone to making errors in life in what used to be called chick lit: fun women-advocating humorous and light pieces about what is really a serious topic... in this case, murder, and whether or not it's okay to call some women bimbos and kill them, while using puns. Lighten up people, that's what the state of Florida is all about, and it's fitting this story moves from LA to Florida and finds its laid-back quirky side and beautiful gulf beaches. If you're easily offended, you might need to visit in person. People aren't really crazy there, although you can't always tell from the news and the humorous mystery novelists who love to set their quirky characters in Florida. Come on in, the water's fine. Just don't get burned.
May 9, 2022
What a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series by one of my favorite contemporary Southern authors! Doreen Diller is pretty sure she didn’t kill her boss. But, could the last few stressful days have turned her into a psycho-eyed homicidal maniac? A great plot, exceptional storytelling and a whole new cast of fun characters make this one a must-read. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
September 30, 2025
I really wanted to like this story. I was hooked on the Married to the Mob meets Golden Girls, set in Hollywood setup. Unfortunately, I didn't. I could not connect with any of the characters. It seems like book 2 might be better because the groundwork (family background) has been laid, but I am not sure I want to try it. As the story progressed, the victim was so unlikeable that I was not that invested in whodunit beyond it being a crime to be investigated.
While this just didn't work for me, many others enjoyed it.
Happy Reading!
While this just didn't work for me, many others enjoyed it.
Happy Reading!
August 25, 2025
Almost a Serial Killer by Margaret Lashley is a quirky, darkly funny, and slightly twisted ride. Lashley balances humor with unsettling tension, giving us a protagonist who walks the razor’s edge between ordinary and unhinged. The blend of wit and creepiness keeps you flipping pages, never quite sure if you should be laughing or cringing.
It’s a fast, offbeat read that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering that deliciously eerie vibe. If you enjoy psychological mischief with a dark comedic streak, this book hits the spot.
It’s a fast, offbeat read that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering that deliciously eerie vibe. If you enjoy psychological mischief with a dark comedic streak, this book hits the spot.
May 29, 2022
As usual Margaret Lashley writes a funny, quirky story that was fun to read. Doreen Diller is almost like the straight guy (gal) in a comedy team with most of the other characters in the book being the comic side. Such a joy to read this book. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I voluntarily offered a honest review in exchange for this book.
I voluntarily offered a honest review in exchange for this book.
June 23, 2022
LOVE IT!!!
LOVE IT!!!
LOVE IT!!!
It was June 23, my late mother's birthday, and that's always tough.
So I read Almost a Serial Killer. Not only did I love every word, laugh like crazy, that I was put in a great mood, and pretty much, although I know she wasn't really there, I know she would have loved it, so I mentally shared it with my mother. I can't say she felt better, but I did, and it got me through the day with a smile on my face.
What a great, fun read!!!!
Thank you Margaret
LOVE IT!!!
LOVE IT!!!
It was June 23, my late mother's birthday, and that's always tough.
So I read Almost a Serial Killer. Not only did I love every word, laugh like crazy, that I was put in a great mood, and pretty much, although I know she wasn't really there, I know she would have loved it, so I mentally shared it with my mother. I can't say she felt better, but I did, and it got me through the day with a smile on my face.
What a great, fun read!!!!
Thank you Margaret
July 4, 2022
So absurd, it's probably real!
I'm definitely a fan of Margaret Lashley's books. This is her 4th series that I've enjoyed reading. Quirky characters, snarky dialogue, absurd situations--what's not to love? And, our lovable weirdos are in Florida--the happiest place on earth! More Doreen, please!
I'm definitely a fan of Margaret Lashley's books. This is her 4th series that I've enjoyed reading. Quirky characters, snarky dialogue, absurd situations--what's not to love? And, our lovable weirdos are in Florida--the happiest place on earth! More Doreen, please!
August 8, 2022
Great cozy mystery
Set in Florida, home of Senior Citizens, this mystery combines low budget movie making with geriatric pseudo detectives. Loved the blow up smiling killer whale. Loved the aunties drugging everyone. This book made me laugh, which was just what I needed. Can't wait for the next one.
Set in Florida, home of Senior Citizens, this mystery combines low budget movie making with geriatric pseudo detectives. Loved the blow up smiling killer whale. Loved the aunties drugging everyone. This book made me laugh, which was just what I needed. Can't wait for the next one.
August 31, 2024
Book Review:
This was a fun and quirky fast read ...The main character was so funny ....She was always in the wrong place at the wrong time....She tried so hard to always do the right thing even by her ditzy boss ....She was full of sass and wonder ...I enjoyed the book not to mention her relatives as well ....Enjoyable read ...Thanks again ...M.L.😊
This was a fun and quirky fast read ...The main character was so funny ....She was always in the wrong place at the wrong time....She tried so hard to always do the right thing even by her ditzy boss ....She was full of sass and wonder ...I enjoyed the book not to mention her relatives as well ....Enjoyable read ...Thanks again ...M.L.😊
July 25, 2026
Had me hooked already on page 2
Already laughing on page 2 and knew that I was going to love the humor. Sarcasm at its finest. My favorite line "at 730a and in middle of 'daily spiritual harmonizing' or rather in pajamas on couch in front of TV eating Lucky Charms". Fun read. Had me laughing at loud several times . Look forward to the series.
Already laughing on page 2 and knew that I was going to love the humor. Sarcasm at its finest. My favorite line "at 730a and in middle of 'daily spiritual harmonizing' or rather in pajamas on couch in front of TV eating Lucky Charms". Fun read. Had me laughing at loud several times . Look forward to the series.
August 16, 2026
Laugh out loud one liners and quirky characters are the backbone of this book. Sure this is a murder mystery but it’s one with a bumbling protagonist and supporting characters that have their worst flaws magnified. I loved this book and can’t wait to read another in this series!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
August 25, 2026
Such a fun read!
I really enjoyed this story. It had great characters, the storyline flowed really well and kept me reading right along, never getting bored. I chuckled so much through this(who'd a thought a murder would be funny?) my family was looking at me like I was crazy. Definitely put it on your TBR list if you need a comical relief to life!
I really enjoyed this story. It had great characters, the storyline flowed really well and kept me reading right along, never getting bored. I chuckled so much through this(who'd a thought a murder would be funny?) my family was looking at me like I was crazy. Definitely put it on your TBR list if you need a comical relief to life!
June 24, 2022
Fabulous new series!
Margaret Lashley has once again assembled a cast of kooky characters and insane situations into a funny but puzzling mystery. Doreen Diller is a likeable wannabe actress who accepts a contract to be the personal assistant to hunky actor Tad Longmire. After signing, she discovers Tad is an egomaniac, a lecher, and a lush. In an effort to save his career following a drunken bender through Hollywood, Tad and Doreen travel to Florida, where Tad has been offered a part in a new tv mystery series. What follows is a hilarious series of mishaps and a real-life murder. Doreen must depend on her wits as well as two elderly helpers to find out whodunnit before she ends up in the slammer. This series is off to a great start!
Margaret Lashley has once again assembled a cast of kooky characters and insane situations into a funny but puzzling mystery. Doreen Diller is a likeable wannabe actress who accepts a contract to be the personal assistant to hunky actor Tad Longmire. After signing, she discovers Tad is an egomaniac, a lecher, and a lush. In an effort to save his career following a drunken bender through Hollywood, Tad and Doreen travel to Florida, where Tad has been offered a part in a new tv mystery series. What follows is a hilarious series of mishaps and a real-life murder. Doreen must depend on her wits as well as two elderly helpers to find out whodunnit before she ends up in the slammer. This series is off to a great start!
July 4, 2022
This book is a terrific start to a new series. Ms. Lashley takes loads of quirky characters, a twisty mystery, a pinch of romance, and a heaping helping of humor to create this masterpiece! I can’t wait to read the next in the series. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
July 8, 2022
Fun read
I enjoyed reading this book. The mystery was great but the best part was getting to know the characters. Some of them you want to strangle and others make you laugh out loud.
I enjoyed reading this book. The mystery was great but the best part was getting to know the characters. Some of them you want to strangle and others make you laugh out loud.
July 31, 2022
Finnaly! It's here!
I have read every book Margaret Langley has written, love them all! This one is super! I love Doreen she's funny and not perfect,but not dumb. Really enjoyed a book that made me laugh and feel good! Can't wait for the next!
I have read every book Margaret Langley has written, love them all! This one is super! I love Doreen she's funny and not perfect,but not dumb. Really enjoyed a book that made me laugh and feel good! Can't wait for the next!
January 17, 2023
Very Entertaining
I enjoy these,funny mysteries like Janet Evanovich etc. So will I read more from Margaret Langley -- Yes. I wasn't able to read this in one sitting and every time I picked it up I remembered what was going on. So I'd say it was,well written!
I enjoy these,funny mysteries like Janet Evanovich etc. So will I read more from Margaret Langley -- Yes. I wasn't able to read this in one sitting and every time I picked it up I remembered what was going on. So I'd say it was,well written!
November 18, 2023
Goofy good bubble bath for the brain!
Ok so if you are tired of all the networks and politicians, I recommend you read this sometimes we all need a little escapism. Take trip to the movie industry in the trunk of a car and you will laugh when you get there!
Ok so if you are tired of all the networks and politicians, I recommend you read this sometimes we all need a little escapism. Take trip to the movie industry in the trunk of a car and you will laugh when you get there!
July 6, 2024
This book is a great start to the series. The author combines quirky characters, a twisty mystery, a bit of romance, and a huge helping of hilarity to create this good time! My favorite characters are the elderly aunt and her friend. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
December 16, 2025
This was very funny. Looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series. Enjoyed the eccentric characters. Story moves quickly so there were no boring parts. Reminded of a Stephanie Plum type.
February 16, 2026
This story was a hoot! Doreen is hilarious & I love her inner dialogue (and outer dialogue, ha!). She did a great job dealing with Tad (what a douche), and using her knowledge of years in Hollywood to help the sitcom be successful. And the aunts 🤣 they are some unique women.
May 10, 2026
A fun, quick read! The first in a series about aspiring actress Doreen Diller! I’ll definitely check out the next book because I love series in general & Doreen’s family seems to have some secrets to discover!
August 9, 2026
This was a thoroughly delightful diversion. I was in the mood for something light and escapist and this was just right. The puns and word plays stopped short of painful. I loved it. The story had more than enough twists and turns to keep me interested. Margaret Lashley does not disappoint.
August 14, 2026
This was a strange book for me. I felt as if the author took two different genres and mashed them together. Further, the stories was mashed together somewhere in the middle, which was odd. I'll read the second one in the series....hopefully it will be better! I give this book a 3.5.
September 6, 2026
Almost a Serial Killer
Funny in places. Cute in places. Silly in places. Unexpectedly enjoyable throughout the entire book. If you have any time to spare I suggest this book as a quick fun easy read.
Funny in places. Cute in places. Silly in places. Unexpectedly enjoyable throughout the entire book. If you have any time to spare I suggest this book as a quick fun easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews