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A Doreen Diller Mystery #3
Almost a Dead Ringer
Two weeks ago she was a complete nobody. Now everyone’s out to get her. Get set for the dramatic, hilarious conclusion to the Doreen Diller Humorous Mystery Trilogy!
Doreen’s acting career was in the dumpster—until she played a serial killer on TV. Now she can’t seem to live the infamy down. It’s not helping that her Aunt Edna is a member of the Southern mafia. Or that the gang of elderly ladies at Edna’s apartment complex consider Doreen their rising new star.
Hitman? Not exactly the role she’d been hoping for.
But when Hollywood doesn’t return her call, Doreen takes a new acting gig in St. Pete. And it’s not long before the studio’s clients begin turning into deadbeats … in more ways than one.
Doreen’s quickly discovering she’s not in L.A. anymore. She’s in F —L.A.
And here, you don’t need a script to become a suspicious character.
The Golden Girls meets the Thursday Murder Club in the Doreen Diller Humorous Mystery Trilogy . This madcap mystery is full of endearing, feisty characters, and is served up with a generous dollop of Southern-style humor.
It's loaded with laughs, and wacky characters you’ll come to know like friends. It also contains no graphic violence, sex, or foul language. So come join the fun! Grab your copy today. It’s available in audio on Audible, and on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and hardback.
Here’s what readers are
“Refreshing, fun, and a great who-dun-it!”
“Funny, cute, and unexpectedly well-developed characters.”
“Lashley has assembled a cast of kooky characters and insane situations into a funny but puzzling mystery.”
“Doreen is believable, likeable, and far more capable than she realizes. I look forward to the second installment.”
“I love books that grab me from the start, make me laugh and cry, and keep me glued to the end. This book is all that and more.”
Doreen’s acting career was in the dumpster—until she played a serial killer on TV. Now she can’t seem to live the infamy down. It’s not helping that her Aunt Edna is a member of the Southern mafia. Or that the gang of elderly ladies at Edna’s apartment complex consider Doreen their rising new star.
Hitman? Not exactly the role she’d been hoping for.
But when Hollywood doesn’t return her call, Doreen takes a new acting gig in St. Pete. And it’s not long before the studio’s clients begin turning into deadbeats … in more ways than one.
Doreen’s quickly discovering she’s not in L.A. anymore. She’s in F —L.A.
And here, you don’t need a script to become a suspicious character.
The Golden Girls meets the Thursday Murder Club in the Doreen Diller Humorous Mystery Trilogy . This madcap mystery is full of endearing, feisty characters, and is served up with a generous dollop of Southern-style humor.
It's loaded with laughs, and wacky characters you’ll come to know like friends. It also contains no graphic violence, sex, or foul language. So come join the fun! Grab your copy today. It’s available in audio on Audible, and on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and hardback.
Here’s what readers are
“Refreshing, fun, and a great who-dun-it!”
“Funny, cute, and unexpectedly well-developed characters.”
“Lashley has assembled a cast of kooky characters and insane situations into a funny but puzzling mystery.”
“Doreen is believable, likeable, and far more capable than she realizes. I look forward to the second installment.”
“I love books that grab me from the start, make me laugh and cry, and keep me glued to the end. This book is all that and more.”
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2023
146 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Lashley
51 books260 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
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 8, 2023
Absolutely hilarious. Nobody can turn a phrase quite like Ms. Lashley. This book is a laugh-out-loud page turner. I just couldn’t wait to see what craziness happened next. Wacky characters, snarky dialogue, ridiculous situations and the author’s pure genius make this book a Must Read! Highly recommended. 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 14, 2024
So Disappointed
This series has everything a reader could want. Suspense, mystery, humor and love! I soaked in the characters and their playful interactions. This series was hard to put down and always left you wanting more. Even in the end the door was left open with unanswered questions. Just when so many pieces of the puzzle were falling together you discover this is only a trilogy.
This series has everything a reader could want. Suspense, mystery, humor and love! I soaked in the characters and their playful interactions. This series was hard to put down and always left you wanting more. Even in the end the door was left open with unanswered questions. Just when so many pieces of the puzzle were falling together you discover this is only a trilogy.
September 3, 2024
Book Review:
I enjoyed all the quirky mysteries in the trilogy ....Wish there were more books...Loved all the character's...Doreen, Edna, Kitty, Jackie even Brady the cop...and who could forget Queenpin herself Sophia....The antics that these women get involved 🙄 in will leave you laughing & shaking your head ...An enjoyable read ...Thank - you ...M.L.😊
I enjoyed all the quirky mysteries in the trilogy ....Wish there were more books...Loved all the character's...Doreen, Edna, Kitty, Jackie even Brady the cop...and who could forget Queenpin herself Sophia....The antics that these women get involved 🙄 in will leave you laughing & shaking your head ...An enjoyable read ...Thank - you ...M.L.😊
June 2, 2025
A fun satisfying conclusion to this series about the Collard Greens Costa Nostra. And about families.
About coming of middle age, dreams and consequences of life choices. A satisfying conclusion to this look at show biz and finding your own way.
About coming of middle age, dreams and consequences of life choices. A satisfying conclusion to this look at show biz and finding your own way.
August 6, 2025
Another Lashley winner.
Have been a Margaret Lasley fan for a while after getting hooked on the Val Fremden Series. As expected, the Doreen Diller series is also excellent. I highly recommemnd the trilogy.
Have been a Margaret Lasley fan for a while after getting hooked on the Val Fremden Series. As expected, the Doreen Diller series is also excellent. I highly recommemnd the trilogy.
March 23, 2023
Wow
I've never seen so many crazy retired mobsters. They are all nuts, except Doreen. Her and Brady finally got together. Cute story and a bit bizarre.
I've never seen so many crazy retired mobsters. They are all nuts, except Doreen. Her and Brady finally got together. Cute story and a bit bizarre.
April 25, 2023
Great series!
You HAVE to read this series! I never laughed so much and blew through them in 2 days. Margaret you are a Master, thank you!
You HAVE to read this series! I never laughed so much and blew through them in 2 days. Margaret you are a Master, thank you!
May 11, 2023
fun read
Easy to read fun book. You will find yourself laughing with their series and won’t be able to put the book down
Easy to read fun book. You will find yourself laughing with their series and won’t be able to put the book down
May 29, 2023
who killed Eddie and why - or why not??? A patsy and revenge??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
August 5, 2023
I listened in Audio format.
Good book.
Good book.
November 20, 2023
Fun folks and whacky antics!
Just start with book one and enjoy the ride from tinsel town to whacky Florida, where the headlines are like film cuts from a b movie with no funding.
Just start with book one and enjoy the ride from tinsel town to whacky Florida, where the headlines are like film cuts from a b movie with no funding.
September 15, 2024
Hum Dinger
A very twisty tale told with humor. The best of the series. It’s a shame we won’t get to see Doreen in action again.
A very twisty tale told with humor. The best of the series. It’s a shame we won’t get to see Doreen in action again.
October 7, 2025
This high quality comedy mystery audiobook is a hilarious rollercoaster of twists and turns! This book in the series reveals more family secrets.
March 22, 2023
As usual Margaret Lashley has another 5 star book/series. Doreen Diller is the latest protagonist that the author has brought to life. The descriptions of her "family" makes it easy to picture each one. This book has everything that you would want in a book, mystery, murder, family, romance and a lot of humor. Some of the quips that come out of the characters mouths are laugh out loud funny. I highly recommend this series.
I received an ARC copy of this book and voluntarily left a honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book and voluntarily left a honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews