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A Doreen Diller Mystery #2
Almost a Clean Getaway
“Lashley takes loads of quirky characters, a twisty mystery, a pinch of romance, and a heaping helping of humor to create this masterpiece!”
The Golden Girls meets Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious, fresh new cozy mystery series.
She escaped a murder rap. Can she outrun her family, too? All Doreen Diller wanted was to be an A-List movie star. But after finding out her family in Florida is related to the mob, she may have to settle for Plan B—a hasty exit, stage right.
Sophia, the reigning Godmother, is about to turn one hundred. But someone is determined to end her centennial celebration with a bang and grab the throne for themselves.
As the party draws ever nearer, Doreen finds herself itching to get out of town to avoid the deadly showdown looming at the Collard Green Corral. But before she can make a clean getaway, her family hits her with a bombshell of its own.
An offer she can’t refuse.
Or can she?
Come join the fun in this second installment comic crime caper set in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida. New from the author of the beloved Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series.
The Golden Girls meets Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious, fresh new cozy mystery series.
She escaped a murder rap. Can she outrun her family, too? All Doreen Diller wanted was to be an A-List movie star. But after finding out her family in Florida is related to the mob, she may have to settle for Plan B—a hasty exit, stage right.
Sophia, the reigning Godmother, is about to turn one hundred. But someone is determined to end her centennial celebration with a bang and grab the throne for themselves.
As the party draws ever nearer, Doreen finds herself itching to get out of town to avoid the deadly showdown looming at the Collard Green Corral. But before she can make a clean getaway, her family hits her with a bombshell of its own.
An offer she can’t refuse.
Or can she?
Come join the fun in this second installment comic crime caper set in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida. New from the author of the beloved Val Fremden Midlife Mystery Series.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2022
284 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Lashley
51 books264 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 11, 2022
"Blanched" is the word for this book. I highlighted 20 occurences. Got old fast. "Don't play dumb" is my review of this book. Between Dor sounding like an idiot and Jackie's malapropisms, I came to realize the author presented these responses as humor. Jumping in fear about absolutely everything, from knocks on door to paranoid flights of fantasy did not deserve "blanching" at every turn. Still gave it 4 stars for the concept and set up. But every response by Dor says she is a complete idiot.
November 27, 2022
When the collard greens hit the fan, will Doreen stay in Florida with her mob-connected family, or will she wing it back to California? Ms. Lashley has crafted another laugh out loud tale, filled with wacky characters in hilarious situations. 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 2, 2024
Book Review:
I enjoyed this quirky mystery ...The main character is like " Calamity Jane"! ...Always getting into something...and trying to get out of it with her foot in her mouth ...She's funny & sassy and has a crazy mixed up family of loveable character's....Fun read ....Looking forward to the next adventure with Doreen Diller....Thanks ...M.L.😊
I enjoyed this quirky mystery ...The main character is like " Calamity Jane"! ...Always getting into something...and trying to get out of it with her foot in her mouth ...She's funny & sassy and has a crazy mixed up family of loveable character's....Fun read ....Looking forward to the next adventure with Doreen Diller....Thanks ...M.L.😊
March 1, 2023
Doreen Diller…
…is one funny lady. Actually all the characters are - especially Jackie with all her mispronunciations. I have read other books that have made me laugh but this book is in a league of its own. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed so much. Highly recommend👍😂😊.
…is one funny lady. Actually all the characters are - especially Jackie with all her mispronunciations. I have read other books that have made me laugh but this book is in a league of its own. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed so much. Highly recommend👍😂😊.
November 30, 2022
Great characters!
Great story! It's Fun and will keep you laughing. i am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Great story! It's Fun and will keep you laughing. i am looking forward to the next book in this series.
December 10, 2022
Great read
I loved this second book as much as the first one of the series. Lots of laughs and familiar locations in my beloved St. Petersburg.
I loved this second book as much as the first one of the series. Lots of laughs and familiar locations in my beloved St. Petersburg.
December 11, 2022
Love the crazy characters. A couple times it was a little drawn out but I still enjoyed it. Made me laugh.
January 6, 2023
Funny
Good read. Love her works. Such a funny writer. Wonder if she gets the acting job? The whole family is nuts. Brady. Woo hoo.
Good read. Love her works. Such a funny writer. Wonder if she gets the acting job? The whole family is nuts. Brady. Woo hoo.
May 29, 2023
Who tried to kill Sophie and why??? Kitty didn't do it, did she??? Dorey will figure things out though, won't she??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
July 25, 2023
Listened on Audible. Funny story
September 15, 2023
nothing is as it seems
What a bunch of characters! Delightful book that you will love to read, just good clean fun and the meaning of love and family
What a bunch of characters! Delightful book that you will love to read, just good clean fun and the meaning of love and family
November 20, 2023
Silly, goofy and fun
Nothing earth shattering, plenty of groans and giggles in all the right places! Such a nice mental detour from reality.
Nothing earth shattering, plenty of groans and giggles in all the right places! Such a nice mental detour from reality.
November 30, 2023
Just Fun
Need to just read some fun junk food for the brain? This is it. So much fun and an easy read.
Need to just read some fun junk food for the brain? This is it. So much fun and an easy read.
January 16, 2024
How many times can you use the phrase “My nose crinkled” and “My jaw went slack”? Too many to count… this is the first and last book by this author that I will read… luckily I got the book for free.
September 30, 2025
This high quality mystery audiobook is jam-packed with fast-paced storytelling, loads of giggles and cast of colourful characters. Good fun!
December 29, 2025
The characters are funny - it’s almost like listening to the golden girls. I was suspicious of The Who in the ‘who-dun-it,’ but I couldn’t figure out why. It was a good twist!
November 22, 2022
I adored this book! Dory, Aunt Edna, Jackie and Queenpin Sophia are my type of people, crazy old coots! LOL Read this book for the story but stay for the laughs.
I was given a free copy of this book and voluntarily left my honest review.
I was given a free copy of this book and voluntarily left my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews