Doreen Diller is a woman with a dream — just not a very unique dream. In fact, she has the exact same goal as seemingly everyone else in Hollywood: to become a movie star. She’s been on the scene for 15 years trying to land her big break and now, as she rounds the corner on 40 years old, she gets the sense that time is running out on her chance to become a big star.
But then, just when it seems like she’s finally hit the rock bottom, it happens. Well, maybe it doesn’t happen exactly as she’d hoped. Sure, she hasn’t exactly landed a big role or any role at all. But with her new gig as the personal assistant to soap opera superstar (and her celebrity crush) Tad Longmire, she’s sure she’s going places. That is, until about five minutes into her new job when she quickly learns that Tad is a womanizer and a drunk whose philandering ways have them both on the run straight out of Hollywood.
A MADCAP MYSTERY SERIES
Margaret Lashley, known for entertaining readers with her lighthearted mystery novels, introduces a brand new series with Almost a Serial Killer — book one in the Doreen Diller mystery series. Looking for a thriller filled with guts, gore and gruesome details? This is not the book for you. However, if you’re looking for some intrigue and suspense mixed with a big helping of situational humor, pack a copy of Lashley’s latest in your beach bag; this just might be your favorite read of the summer.
When Doreen first arrives in St. Petersburg, Florida, things seem to be going smoothly. She lands Tad the lead role in Beer & Loathing that she’d convinced him to come all this way to audition for. Sure, it’s a poorly written daytime soap that is unlikely to amount to anything, but at least it will keep Tad employed as the dust settles on his latest bender back in Hollywood. Better yet, the project is so low-budget that the producers are eager to pull Dorren in to help with writing and even a bit of acting. Maybe this could be her big break after all.
STARDOM STABS BACK
But when the idealistic beach cottage they’d been using as a set becomes a crime scene, Doreen finds herself playing the only leading role she never wanted: prime suspect in a murder investigation. Now she must race against the police investigation, which seems to be quickly zeroing in on her, to present an alternate suspect and clear her name. It is safe to say that nothing in St. Pete goes quite how Doreen expected, but here is what you should expect if you join Lashley on this wild ride: fast-paced action, upbeat comedy, mystery, red herrings, an outlandish cast of characters, a ride in the trunk, fake blood, zip ties and collard greens.
What motivated this criminal to kill? Was it money, TV ratings, the wrath of a bitter employee? Evidence is stacking up against Doreen: access to the victim, witnesses to muttered threats, pending DNA test results. At times, even Doreen wonders if she is the murderer. Readers will have to white-knuckle it to the very end to find out who is responsible for the stabbing death on the set of Beer & Loathing.
Almost a Serial Killer is available for purchase as a hardcover or ebook on Amazon.
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About Margaret Lashley:
A lover of laughter and aficionado of the absurd, author Margaret Lashley brings her unique, sideways look at the world to the page in her hilarious, best-selling Val Fremden Mystery Series, Freaky Florida Mystery Adventures and Mind’s Eye Investigators.
“Why do I love underdogs? Well, it takes one to know one. Like the main characters in my novels, I haven’t led 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!”
