Dude Magnet

The Last Picks, Book 2

By: Gregory Ashe

Narrated by: Andrew Gibson

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

You can’t hide from the truth. And apparently, you can’t hide from your ex either. Dashiell Dawson Dane wants the simple things in life: to live in a (possibly) haunted mansion, to avoid socializing at all costs, and to write, and possibly finish, a book. Unfortunately, the real world has a way of intruding. And since unfinished manuscripts don’t pay the bills, he finds himself persuaded—against his better judgment—to rent out Hemlock House for a wedding. Having his ex-boyfriend, Hugo, arrive unexpectedly during the preparations is bad enough. But when Hugo is arrested for the murder of the groom-to-be, Dash seems to be the only one who believes he didn’t do it. And Dash’s efforts to uncover the truth will draw the attention of the real killer—who has a great deal to gain, and nothing to lose.

©2024 Gregory Ashe (P)2024 Gregory Ashe

The pieces are coming together!

As much as I enjoyed the first book, Ashe had a lot of balls in the air. He gave us a lot of characters to meet, while also absorbing a murder mystery. The madcap bunch hanging around Dash was bit much at times, as was Dash and his nonstop self narrative. That said, the sitcom nature of Dash & crew began to sync by the end of the book one.

Fortunately everyone hits the ground running in volume two. They have bonded, Dash is settled in his character and is just the Dash he is meant to be.

Narration remains top notch. Gibson does an amazing job navigating the complicated opening scene at the wedding rehearsal. His tender approach to Dash and Bobby is just total chef’s kiss.

This style of story telling is a departure from what most of Ashe’s fans are familiar with. While there is murder most foul in each book, this isn’t the dark and bloodied world of Hazzard & Somerset, Jem & Tean, or Augie & Theo. What those guys go through is an endurance test.

However, what we’re literally treated to in this, The Last Picks series is Murder She Wrote for a new generation. Yes there is murder, yes there is heartache, but most notably there is lightness in this world where we know at the end of the worst day, there will still be cake. The books themselves are perfectly bite sized, allowing for a crime complex enough to keep us interested partnered with a slow burn romance, and the aforementioned cake.

This is a great introduction for people who don’t know Ashe, or want something lighter. For me, it’s a great reset to see Ashe lend his amazing talents to this six book endeavor. I needed to step away from Wahredua, Mo after the mashup series, well after book two. Dash & crew are highly recommended.

Need the next book now!!

Another great book. The ending had me needing the next audiobook now. Really enjoyed the mystery. That little twist ending had me crying but it’s what I love about GA books! Not a full five stars because I’m having a hard time enjoying all the side characters. I find them distracting at times. I’m hopeful as the books go on I’ll love all of them. For now loving Dash, Indira and Deputy Bobby.

A mostly very good reading of a very good book

I gave the ebook version of this story four stars, and I stand by that. I do think that the audiobook makes the story more enjoyable—and knowing how the story continues in books three and four helps as well. I'm definitely appreciating the opportunity to revisit the characters and situations more slowly (I'm a fast reader) via audio. I still wish these books were longer and meatier, but (as I noted in my initial review) I realize that's not possible given the writing/publication speed.

There were a couple of super-clunky mispronunciations that I wish had been caught and fixed (brooch and sachet stuck in my mind), but on the whole I thought the narration was excellent. Recommended!

My thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this audiobook.

Love this series

Very sad ending. But I need more. I’m very invested and can’t believe how much I’m falling in love with the last picks

2nd Murder Mystery

This is the second audio in the Last Picks series.
Dash and the Last Picks gang once again find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery, though this time Dash isn’t a suspect. Dash’s ex Hugo is a suspect. As the gang investigates 2 more people are murdered.

I truly enjoyed Dash’s bumbling investigative skill, made me laugh and roll my eyes lol.

This audio was just as enjoyable as reading the ebook. The narrator did a wonderful job. I giggled.

Fun Listen

This is the second book in GA’s cozy mysteries series call The Last Picks. In this installment the Scooby Gang, and our main guy, Dashell Dawson Dane get caught up in yet another series of mysterious death. Dash need money so he rents out his new home for a wedding. Then the wedding party starts dropping dead. To add insult to injury, Dash’s ex shows up to “win him back.” Deputy Bobby is not happy about this turn of events.

The mystery is OK, though not one that left me guessing. This book is more about the development of Dash and Deputy Bobby’s relationship. They appear to make progress in admitting their feelings for each other. Bobby definitely has some demons he is suppressing. But in typical GA fashion, there is a “twist” at the end that left me saying, WTF?

This is a fun listen with tons of humor, snark and just loveable characters. Mr. Gibson gives us another A+ performance and really brings these characters alive.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review

Cozy mystery . . . Ha!

I can’t decide if this is indeed a “cozy mystery” or brilliantly, an ironically dubbed “cozy mystery.” Either way, this is why I love Gregory Ashe! Always with a mystery, engaging (and flawed and funny and and) characters and the relationship angst that drives me towards therapy. It’s gonna be hard not to read the next ones while waiting for the audiobooks to release. This narrator, though, makes it worth it.

excellent 2nd book.

Dash and friends are quickly becoming some of my favorite characters.

They all work so well together. But what I enjoy most is this is just a fun tale. Although there is some back and forth minor sexual tension. This is not a in any way based in the story. It's just a great story, a who- done-it. With a side of friends.

Once again the narration was marvelously. and I can't wait for the rest of the series to be released.

Greg at his best

Typical of Gregory Ashe we get a book full of twists, turns, and angst even in a cozy mystery. A little bit of a twin trope while bringing in Dash's ex. The exploration of who Dash is on his own is a good one. Andrew Gibson does a good job of telling this story. However, typical of Greg, he leaves us hanging on until the end and wanting more.

Want sizzle

It's a great story. Good twists and turns. Is Dash a foodie? He loves to eat like me. I really like the sarcasm. This is the first time I've heard this narrator. Pretty good.