What Four: Family Fruitcake Frenzy

Val Fremden Midlife Mysteries, Book 4

By: Margaret Lashley

Narrated by: Sarah Pesek

Most Definitely Contains Nuts.

All Val Fremden wanted was a quiet holiday away from her oddball family. But that just ain’t gonna happen.

When Val and her boyfriend arrive at her mother’s “country estate” in Hicksville, Florida, the annual family fruitcake competition is well underway. And there’s more than a few fruits and nuts in the running.

But the biggest contest is between Val and her mom. As their battle of wills heats up, unexpected ingredients get thrown into both women’s batter. It may be time to call the law—or at least a referee.

Who will come out on top? Who will get their just desserts? And will Val’s half-baked family turn out to be too much for Tom to handle, or will he rise to the occasion?

Going home for the holidays is a mixed bag for many. What Four celebrates the universal love-hate relationships we all have with our relatives. Even at the best of times, our families leave us teetering on the edge of pride and embarrassment. This double-edged sword cuts clean to the bone, exposing how far we’ve come—and how far we have yet to go—on our struggles to be our authentic selves.

If you like deeply flawed characters and laugh-out-loud situations, you’ll love What Four. It’s book four in Lashley’s hilarious, irreverent Val Fremden Midlife Mystery series.

(P)2026 Margaret Lashley

Laugh Out Loud

Great writer and fun story. Just an enjoyable reality check within the story. Recommend this listen.

laugh out loud funny

love this series. If you need some fun and you will be laughing all through this book. the narrator is so awesome..can't wait til the next in series released.

Just fun!

Listened on a solo drive. Entertaining and fun. There are so many interesting characters that you find someone you know in each of them. Great listen.

Hilarious

I love these books. They actually make me laugh out loud. The story line and characters are absolutely hilarious, and the narration is amazing. I highly recommend if you are looking for a good laugh.

My favorite so far!

Great life lessons from Lavern once again and funny shenanigans by the ex amigos! Val is blessed with great, well-meaning, and always finding trouble friends. It was nice to meet the family and made me thankful we don’t have “fruitcake wars” at Christmas in my house! As always the narrator does an amazing job bringing the characters to life!