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Luka Meer: Four Short Stories
With friends like these, who needs enemies?
Private detective Luka Meer doesn’t get the most glamorous cases, but he knows the underbelly of St. Louis better than just about anyone, and he’s got a bad case of white knight syndrome.
In these four stories, join Luka as he helps friends, family, and even the occasional client. He’ll have to face down dirty cops, crime lords, embezzlers, and more, but hey—it’s all in a day’s work. And if he’s lucky, he might even be able to pay his rent.
This collection
“The Eye of the Crow”
“The Hundred Times”
“The Dog That Barks”
“A New Ocean”
These stories were previously released to the author’s patrons.
Private detective Luka Meer doesn’t get the most glamorous cases, but he knows the underbelly of St. Louis better than just about anyone, and he’s got a bad case of white knight syndrome.
In these four stories, join Luka as he helps friends, family, and even the occasional client. He’ll have to face down dirty cops, crime lords, embezzlers, and more, but hey—it’s all in a day’s work. And if he’s lucky, he might even be able to pay his rent.
This collection
“The Eye of the Crow”
“The Hundred Times”
“The Dog That Barks”
“A New Ocean”
These stories were previously released to the author’s patrons.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2023
6 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
133 books1,805 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 29, 2023
happy holidays, merry christmas, happy early new year! 🎄
as the year crawls (more like sprints - how did we get here already??) to an end, GA has left us with one last surprise: private detective Luka Meer.
the series of short stories introduces us to this brand spankin' new character from a fresh first-person perspective (the first in the Hazardverse!) caramelized with noir-esque flair and some dry, colorful wit. i had little idea what to expect, but as GA's writerly chops prove their finesse again and again, it was no surprise i found myself in the story's clutches as Luka's backstory slowly unraveled with each chapter. "The Hundred Times" marks my official enrollment into the Luka Meer Protection Squad - he carries so much on his shoulders that wishing for his happiness naturally became instinct. it was reminiscent in a lot of ways of how i feel with Fer, who i think would understand Luka’s position far intimately than most.
the bonus epilogue (which you seriously don't want to miss out on. i haven't stopped thinking about it with a derpy grin on my face since its original post) is available to patrons on "Advanced Ashochism." you can still take advantage of the free 30-day trial when using his link on Twitter before the end of the month, but the time is nigh! did i mention he has an exclusive doggo content tag reserved for his adorable fur babies? what other incentive do you need besides the blazingly cute glory of Nash and Watson? 😉 https://x.com/tekhnemakre/status/1731...
i hope we get to see more of Luka in the not-so-distant future. his potential as a main star is groundbreaking, and he deserves nothing short of a full-length novel exploring what comes next <3
as the year crawls (more like sprints - how did we get here already??) to an end, GA has left us with one last surprise: private detective Luka Meer.
the series of short stories introduces us to this brand spankin' new character from a fresh first-person perspective (the first in the Hazardverse!) caramelized with noir-esque flair and some dry, colorful wit. i had little idea what to expect, but as GA's writerly chops prove their finesse again and again, it was no surprise i found myself in the story's clutches as Luka's backstory slowly unraveled with each chapter. "The Hundred Times" marks my official enrollment into the Luka Meer Protection Squad - he carries so much on his shoulders that wishing for his happiness naturally became instinct. it was reminiscent in a lot of ways of how i feel with Fer, who i think would understand Luka’s position far intimately than most.
the bonus epilogue (which you seriously don't want to miss out on. i haven't stopped thinking about it with a derpy grin on my face since its original post) is available to patrons on "Advanced Ashochism." you can still take advantage of the free 30-day trial when using his link on Twitter before the end of the month, but the time is nigh! did i mention he has an exclusive doggo content tag reserved for his adorable fur babies? what other incentive do you need besides the blazingly cute glory of Nash and Watson? 😉 https://x.com/tekhnemakre/status/1731...
i hope we get to see more of Luka in the not-so-distant future. his potential as a main star is groundbreaking, and he deserves nothing short of a full-length novel exploring what comes next <3
December 29, 2023
Just enough Luka Meer to make me want so much more Luka Meer!!! These short stories had me pining for Sundays and that's something I haven't done since the finale of The White Lotus.
June 26, 2024
I'm not sure of the backstory here -- is this a setup for a future series, or just GA having a bit of no-strings fun between all his other writing, because god knows he doesn't produce enough [sarcasm]? Regardless, I'd be happy to read more Luka.
In a short 100 pages, we get a lot of insight into this character, and it's ripe for more plucking. He is in many ways a typical GA lead: complicated family situation; tragic romantic backstory that is mostly only hinted at; verging-on-toxic relationship with his childhood friend-with-benefits; hard head able to withstand endless amounts of kicks and punches; delusions of the "if I hold myself apart from everyone, no one can hurt me" variety (yeah that always works, my dude); jaded, but ultimately kind (if tending towards playing the martyr). But he's also significantly lower down the socioeconomic ladder than most GA characters, at least those in the detective business; has a sister who rivals JH's sister-in-law Naomi in the scary-selfish-unstable stakes; is complicit in some dirty cop dealings that gives him an air of secondhand sleazery that could be very interesting to explore in greater depth; and is starting up a tentative friendship-maybe-more with his neighbor Jude, a trainee teacher who sidelines as a sex surrogate. In other words, lots to unpack.
So, yeah. Here's hoping for more Luka!
In a short 100 pages, we get a lot of insight into this character, and it's ripe for more plucking. He is in many ways a typical GA lead: complicated family situation; tragic romantic backstory that is mostly only hinted at; verging-on-toxic relationship with his childhood friend-with-benefits; hard head able to withstand endless amounts of kicks and punches; delusions of the "if I hold myself apart from everyone, no one can hurt me" variety (yeah that always works, my dude); jaded, but ultimately kind (if tending towards playing the martyr). But he's also significantly lower down the socioeconomic ladder than most GA characters, at least those in the detective business; has a sister who rivals JH's sister-in-law Naomi in the scary-selfish-unstable stakes; is complicit in some dirty cop dealings that gives him an air of secondhand sleazery that could be very interesting to explore in greater depth; and is starting up a tentative friendship-maybe-more with his neighbor Jude, a trainee teacher who sidelines as a sex surrogate. In other words, lots to unpack.
So, yeah. Here's hoping for more Luka!
May 25, 2025
I don't really understand how this fits into the Hazardverse, other than it's set in St Louis, but I really enjoyed this!
The pacing was really fast, it was kind of a jolt to the system that this was in first person rather than third, but I really, really liked Luka!
I do feel like I want to know more though. Does Luka finally bin off Kris? Who is Jude, really? I need to know more so badly 😂
The pacing was really fast, it was kind of a jolt to the system that this was in first person rather than third, but I really, really liked Luka!
I do feel like I want to know more though. Does Luka finally bin off Kris? Who is Jude, really? I need to know more so badly 😂
December 31, 2023
I really enjoyed these short stories.
Luka is instantly likeable and I found myself intrigued about his backstory from the get go.
It’s quite tricky to pack depth into short stories but this really delivered. I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Luka.
Luka is instantly likeable and I found myself intrigued about his backstory from the get go.
It’s quite tricky to pack depth into short stories but this really delivered. I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Luka.
December 30, 2023
New character alert!!
Luka Meer is so messy, just like I like my PIs.
I love him so much already. Such a nice, gritty noir feel to these short stories. I can't wait for more.
If you'd like a bonus epilogue (which is a can't be missed kind of thing) plus a deleted scene, it's available to patrons on his new patron platform, Advanced Ashochism. There's promises of all kinds of exclusive content and early access. You don't want to miss out! Check it out here: https://patrons.gregoryashe.com/
Luka Meer is so messy, just like I like my PIs.
I love him so much already. Such a nice, gritty noir feel to these short stories. I can't wait for more.
If you'd like a bonus epilogue (which is a can't be missed kind of thing) plus a deleted scene, it's available to patrons on his new patron platform, Advanced Ashochism. There's promises of all kinds of exclusive content and early access. You don't want to miss out! Check it out here: https://patrons.gregoryashe.com/
March 27, 2024
I already love Luka Meer and I don’t even really know him… Gregory Ashe introduces us to a new (Hazardverse???) character in the form of Luka Meer, a twenty-something private detective from St Louis. He’s gritty and messy and these four shorts give glimpses into a man with a busy day job, troubled relations and a sad past…
Read
May 28, 2025The Luka Meer shorts introduce us to a new and interesting character in the Hazardverse. Luka is a young private investigator living in St. Louis. In this set of shorts we get glimpses of his tragic backstory, complicated relationships with his family, and toxic friendships. He's a total sweetheart with a bit of an antisocial, nerdy side. Let's just say I absolutely adore him. These shorts were the perfect tease for his character, surprisingly fast paced with no lack of action. Plus a little cameo from some other St. Louis investigators we know and love. Really curious to see where Gregory Ashe takes these stories!
The Eye of the Crow: Surprisingly interesting and fast paced for a 30 minute read! I'm very intrigued. And already love Luka and don't like Kris.
The Hundred Times: wow Luka's sister is the worst, and it's so sad to see the concessions he has to make for his family. He's so sweet.
The Dog that Barks: Another impressive fast paced story! Also everyone wants some Luka, get it.
A New Ocean: Gah Luka, you little nerd. I love you. I'm pretty sure I'm just a mix of Luka and Dash. Plus getting one over on North will always entertaining.
Loved all of these. I feel like every story is this new layer, but I have no idea how it all is supposed to connect together, but I still like it. Luka has so much going on and such complicated relationships, I just want to read whatever I can about him!
The Eye of the Crow: Surprisingly interesting and fast paced for a 30 minute read! I'm very intrigued. And already love Luka and don't like Kris.
The Hundred Times: wow Luka's sister is the worst, and it's so sad to see the concessions he has to make for his family. He's so sweet.
The Dog that Barks: Another impressive fast paced story! Also everyone wants some Luka, get it.
A New Ocean: Gah Luka, you little nerd. I love you. I'm pretty sure I'm just a mix of Luka and Dash. Plus getting one over on North will always entertaining.
Loved all of these. I feel like every story is this new layer, but I have no idea how it all is supposed to connect together, but I still like it. Luka has so much going on and such complicated relationships, I just want to read whatever I can about him!
January 1, 2024
What a stunning start to what I hope will be an ongoing series. And yes, that's a heavy hint!
It takes a very skilled writer indeed to plunge the reader straight into the action and yet provide enough worldbuilding to make the MC and his surroundings seem completely formed.
These four short stories are from the point of view of St. Louis PI Luka with an irresistible noirish atmosphere. There's plenty of exciting adventure packed into these stories, but it's Luca's emotional world and his present and past connections and responsibilities that are sketched in so deftly that make this so compelling. More, please!
It takes a very skilled writer indeed to plunge the reader straight into the action and yet provide enough worldbuilding to make the MC and his surroundings seem completely formed.
These four short stories are from the point of view of St. Louis PI Luka with an irresistible noirish atmosphere. There's plenty of exciting adventure packed into these stories, but it's Luca's emotional world and his present and past connections and responsibilities that are sketched in so deftly that make this so compelling. More, please!
September 27, 2024
Loved it! Made me laugh many times. Luka was an interesting character and his relationship with Kris was painful yet touching. Relatable to be stuck in an old toxic worn & comfortable situation ship with someone that keeps showing you in all the ways that count how little they have to offer. Love how the palpable zing of mutual interest between Luka and Jude paid off at the end.
My one gripe with this author is that the characters wrack up truly unbelievable numbers of injuries, each one of which could easily lead to lifelong complications. Like how many concussions can we be expected to handwave in a single novella?
My one gripe with this author is that the characters wrack up truly unbelievable numbers of injuries, each one of which could easily lead to lifelong complications. Like how many concussions can we be expected to handwave in a single novella?
January 27, 2026
Nice introduction of a new character in the form of four short stories. Luka was really funny, and we got snippets from a backstory filled with pain. It seems he really has no one he can rely on, which made me sad. I liked the ending, which was hopeful.
I hope to read more Luka. Jude's backstory wasn't addressed, but a few of his reactions made me curious about him. And Kris can f right off.
Loved it!
I hope to read more Luka. Jude's backstory wasn't addressed, but a few of his reactions made me curious about him. And Kris can f right off.
Loved it!
August 28, 2024
Is That All There Is?
Anthology
This was my first pass at this author.
The stories are brief vignettes into the world of a lonely, grieving man, whose name is Luka Meer.
Luka is quite competent, and socially responsible, which means everyone close dumps obligations on his shoulders. Which he dutifully lifts, and processes and finishes.
And he is grieving.
Anthology
This was my first pass at this author.
The stories are brief vignettes into the world of a lonely, grieving man, whose name is Luka Meer.
Luka is quite competent, and socially responsible, which means everyone close dumps obligations on his shoulders. Which he dutifully lifts, and processes and finishes.
And he is grieving.
dnf-no-thanks
January 3, 2024DNF @54%
I can't believe my first DNF in 2024 is by Gregory Ashe... I'll save myself from flying tomatoes by yelling, 'It's me, not the book!' I guess I'm just not in the mood for action-infused short stories.
I can't believe my first DNF in 2024 is by Gregory Ashe... I'll save myself from flying tomatoes by yelling, 'It's me, not the book!' I guess I'm just not in the mood for action-infused short stories.
January 14, 2024
I neeeeed more. (Also totally worth it to be a Patron just for that bonus epilogue)
July 16, 2024
These were so interesting, & I want to know so much more!!!
January 8, 2025
I’ve discovered another favorite private detective from GA! I’m looking forward to reading more about Luka Meer! I want to read more about Jude too!
September 20, 2025
Luka Meer, detective. I can't recall if I missed a connection or crossover? Left me wanting more!
February 7, 2024
Absolutely loved the story and this new character. Absolutely hated that the epilogue is only available to those who can financially afford it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews