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The Last Picks #5
Between You and Me
Hunting a killer is scary. Talking about your feelings is scarier.
Dashiell Dawson Dane is certain the universe is conspiring against him. After all, things have been good—almost too good—for way too long. He’s got a great group of friends. He’s writing regularly. And things with Bobby seem like they might, maybe, possibly be moving beyond friend territory. It’s all so good, in fact, that it feels like the setup for something truly catastrophic. Not to mention, it’s the weekend before Valentine’s Day.
So, when Dash and his friends visit Shipwreck Shores, a local amusement park, he’s not terribly surprised when he stumbles across a body in the fun house. The surprising part comes when the body disappears before park security—or the sheriff—can see it. And while no one will say it to his face, some people in Hastings Rock seem to suspect Dash is making it up.
No body means no official investigation, so Dash finds himself forced into his own search for answers. But the killer isn’t done yet. And Dash’s sleuthing sets the two of them on a collision course.
Dashiell Dawson Dane is certain the universe is conspiring against him. After all, things have been good—almost too good—for way too long. He’s got a great group of friends. He’s writing regularly. And things with Bobby seem like they might, maybe, possibly be moving beyond friend territory. It’s all so good, in fact, that it feels like the setup for something truly catastrophic. Not to mention, it’s the weekend before Valentine’s Day.
So, when Dash and his friends visit Shipwreck Shores, a local amusement park, he’s not terribly surprised when he stumbles across a body in the fun house. The surprising part comes when the body disappears before park security—or the sheriff—can see it. And while no one will say it to his face, some people in Hastings Rock seem to suspect Dash is making it up.
No body means no official investigation, so Dash finds himself forced into his own search for answers. But the killer isn’t done yet. And Dash’s sleuthing sets the two of them on a collision course.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2024
72 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
136 books1,802 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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May 27, 2025
Grab the audio narrated by Andrew Gibson today! https://www.audible.com/pd/Between-Yo...
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[4.25 (my rating scale for this series needs a recalibration, but we venture on!)] A highly anticipated return to Hastings Rock, ever the charmingly quaint town despite its recent tick in corpse count, and new locations! The local amusement park, powered on for Valentine's Day, proved to be the best setting for action and intrigue and warpy perceptions that only an otherworldly dimension can bring. Our swashbuckling buccaneers, particularly Dash, can (unfortunately) attest to that through and through.
The mystery. I was locked in with my trusty notebook and pen, trying to pin down the culprit(s) and motives before the big reveal. I don't know if it was this burst of intentional effort, familiarity with GA's writing style, my recent dive into Agatha Christie sharpening my armchair detective senses, and/or some dropped hints that were possibly too on the nose, but it's rare for me to land this close to the truth. As my success rates are nothing to call home about, I'd be curious to know if anyone else felt the same. And the final showdown, fun and thrilling in more ways than one!
Seasoned Ashochists know how much GA enjoys the close shaves, the woeful misses, the foils and parallels, the could-have-beens, the what-ifs. It's enough to propel me to the gym with the speed of a storm cloud. All this excess energy whirling inside ready to be burned. Truthfully, so much of the introspective exploration of Dash's inner landscape and the scales falling from his eyes rang true as a fellow runner (in the emotional sense). I have a tendency to flee in the opposite direction of any hint of interest aimed in my direction. Real people and their emotions? Warning! Abort! Initiate escape protocol 7240! Fear of [insert any word of your choosing] overriding the brain's logic center is my default mode. But each and every step forward and backward were integral in the full scope of his character arc.
Is it any surprise the Last Picks crew is back and ready to get Dash involved in more ambitious mystery-solving? Compared to the other books, Dash seemed very committed to lone-wolfing the nitty-gritty parts this round. But as the pattern suggests, the last remaining member gets their heart-to-heart moment with our leading man (and a rather sweet one at that!), and I just want scenes like those to continue forever.
The main highlight of this book for me has to be the grand Chester reveal (our pending fan club name is Chester's Lambs) and his overenthusiastically intrusive but wholly well-meaning dad Tony. First introduced in the patron-exclusive Dude Magnet Bonus Afterstory (as I like to call them), Tonymarrying off parading around his son is so endearing: https://patrons.gregoryashe.com/bonus.... You definitely don't want to miss it!
⚠️ entering spoiler territory! ⚠️
.
.
.
.
Prefacing this section to say certain real life circumstances have no doubt impacted my patience levels here!
You probably guessed the topic of discussion: Dashby. Having listened to GA's Facebook lives on the first few books of this series, I went in with a general gist of the relationship pacing, the extenuating circumstances, so the ending didn’t surprise me, per se. But after reading the book, I was left with a tangled feeling. Tangled because the frustration partially stems from pot (me) meeting kettle (Dash), but also the self-sabotaging cycle on both ends that can feel, in certain respects, drawn out. Where out of the bajillion words Dash could string together in an infinite number of combinations, he chose those. Again and again. And Bobby, out of all the things to beat around the bush about... I swear, it was like watching a pair of Sphinxes speak in riddles to each other.
But it also doesn't come as a surprise. They're both in such weird headspaces. Dash says too much; Bobby says not enough. I'm waiting for Bobby, who bottles up his feelings with the tightest cap, to crack and have his own panicked breakdown. Yet, all the big revelations and happenings and not even the tiniest concession made in their favor - again, it's complicated. In some ways, I almost want them to get together and then traverse the self-sabotaging maze of insecurity, but that’d be a whole other story. Just watch, I’ll be humming a different tune after Again with Feeling. Likely all I need is the companion piece to round things out.
That said, is it strange to be somewhat waffling over their friends? It's way out of line (and frankly unrealistic) to say they dropped the ball - they're neither Dash nor Bobby's keeper, and you can't force people to act when they're not ready - but maybe some fumbling? They're familiar with both their MOs: tight-lipped stoicism, the need for processing time. Surely communication was exchanged in the Dash Support Group Chat. Surely Millie's network picked up on Bobby's whereabouts to trigger an intervention and give Dash something concrete to cull through. Knowing how much time elapses between this and the next book, I'm surprised, if not a little nettled, at their passivity. And I've come to realize, when they do poke their nose into Dash's affairs as in the Ch. 1 preview of Again with Feeling, it's framed as if everything rides on Dash to make things right in the world, even though Bobby is an equal instigator of their dysfunction. Is Bobby having these talks with any of them off-page that he also sorely needs, or are they just hounding the totally nonconfrontational, socially anxious guy to make waves? LOL. Hopefully it’s brought up in some form, because clearly the solution lies in Keme locking them in their rooms ("you donkeys!") and forcing them to write down their feelings and confess through the bathroom door (because only one bathroom trope superiority, of course) 😉
Or maybe I’m sticking my nose where I shouldn’t. Thoughts, discussions, perspectives, share all the things with me!
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
---pre-release thoughts---
Another day, another upcoming GA release - the harvest is bountiful in Ashelandia. Having the release date on October 21 is impressive foresight on the author's part, because the mystery hinted at in the blurb sounds mighty spooky. Even though I'm well aware that the immediate book to look forward to at the moment is book 2, don't mind my attention already getting caught by the possibilities of el número cinco 👀
In upcoming news, Fer’s (Auggie’s dirty-mouthed, protective older brother) book will begin its serialization over on the patronage site Advanced Ashochism on Sunday, May 26th with weekly updates. From cozy mystery (The Last Picks), to romantic suspense (Nico/Jadon’s Follows with Intent), and now romance (Fer’s The Kiss Principle), GA is clearly trying to hit every genre bingo space this year.
--------
[4.25 (my rating scale for this series needs a recalibration, but we venture on!)] A highly anticipated return to Hastings Rock, ever the charmingly quaint town despite its recent tick in corpse count, and new locations! The local amusement park, powered on for Valentine's Day, proved to be the best setting for action and intrigue and warpy perceptions that only an otherworldly dimension can bring. Our swashbuckling buccaneers, particularly Dash, can (unfortunately) attest to that through and through.
The mystery. I was locked in with my trusty notebook and pen, trying to pin down the culprit(s) and motives before the big reveal. I don't know if it was this burst of intentional effort, familiarity with GA's writing style, my recent dive into Agatha Christie sharpening my armchair detective senses, and/or some dropped hints that were possibly too on the nose, but it's rare for me to land this close to the truth. As my success rates are nothing to call home about, I'd be curious to know if anyone else felt the same. And the final showdown, fun and thrilling in more ways than one!
Seasoned Ashochists know how much GA enjoys the close shaves, the woeful misses, the foils and parallels, the could-have-beens, the what-ifs. It's enough to propel me to the gym with the speed of a storm cloud. All this excess energy whirling inside ready to be burned. Truthfully, so much of the introspective exploration of Dash's inner landscape and the scales falling from his eyes rang true as a fellow runner (in the emotional sense). I have a tendency to flee in the opposite direction of any hint of interest aimed in my direction. Real people and their emotions? Warning! Abort! Initiate escape protocol 7240! Fear of [insert any word of your choosing] overriding the brain's logic center is my default mode. But each and every step forward and backward were integral in the full scope of his character arc.
Is it any surprise the Last Picks crew is back and ready to get Dash involved in more ambitious mystery-solving? Compared to the other books, Dash seemed very committed to lone-wolfing the nitty-gritty parts this round. But as the pattern suggests, the last remaining member gets their heart-to-heart moment with our leading man (and a rather sweet one at that!), and I just want scenes like those to continue forever.
The main highlight of this book for me has to be the grand Chester reveal (our pending fan club name is Chester's Lambs) and his overenthusiastically intrusive but wholly well-meaning dad Tony. First introduced in the patron-exclusive Dude Magnet Bonus Afterstory (as I like to call them), Tony
⚠️ entering spoiler territory! ⚠️
.
.
.
.
Prefacing this section to say certain real life circumstances have no doubt impacted my patience levels here!
You probably guessed the topic of discussion: Dashby. Having listened to GA's Facebook lives on the first few books of this series, I went in with a general gist of the relationship pacing, the extenuating circumstances, so the ending didn’t surprise me, per se. But after reading the book, I was left with a tangled feeling. Tangled because the frustration partially stems from pot (me) meeting kettle (Dash), but also the self-sabotaging cycle on both ends that can feel, in certain respects, drawn out. Where out of the bajillion words Dash could string together in an infinite number of combinations, he chose those. Again and again. And Bobby, out of all the things to beat around the bush about... I swear, it was like watching a pair of Sphinxes speak in riddles to each other.
But it also doesn't come as a surprise. They're both in such weird headspaces. Dash says too much; Bobby says not enough. I'm waiting for Bobby, who bottles up his feelings with the tightest cap, to crack and have his own panicked breakdown. Yet, all the big revelations and happenings and not even the tiniest concession made in their favor - again, it's complicated. In some ways, I almost want them to get together and then traverse the self-sabotaging maze of insecurity, but that’d be a whole other story. Just watch, I’ll be humming a different tune after Again with Feeling. Likely all I need is the companion piece to round things out.
That said, is it strange to be somewhat waffling over their friends? It's way out of line (and frankly unrealistic) to say they dropped the ball - they're neither Dash nor Bobby's keeper, and you can't force people to act when they're not ready - but maybe some fumbling? They're familiar with both their MOs: tight-lipped stoicism, the need for processing time. Surely communication was exchanged in the Dash Support Group Chat. Surely Millie's network picked up on Bobby's whereabouts to trigger an intervention and give Dash something concrete to cull through. Knowing how much time elapses between this and the next book, I'm surprised, if not a little nettled, at their passivity. And I've come to realize, when they do poke their nose into Dash's affairs as in the Ch. 1 preview of Again with Feeling, it's framed as if everything rides on Dash to make things right in the world, even though Bobby is an equal instigator of their dysfunction. Is Bobby having these talks with any of them off-page that he also sorely needs, or are they just hounding the totally nonconfrontational, socially anxious guy to make waves? LOL. Hopefully it’s brought up in some form, because clearly the solution lies in Keme locking them in their rooms ("you donkeys!") and forcing them to write down their feelings and confess through the bathroom door (because only one bathroom trope superiority, of course) 😉
Or maybe I’m sticking my nose where I shouldn’t. Thoughts, discussions, perspectives, share all the things with me!
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
---pre-release thoughts---
Another day, another upcoming GA release - the harvest is bountiful in Ashelandia. Having the release date on October 21 is impressive foresight on the author's part, because the mystery hinted at in the blurb sounds mighty spooky. Even though I'm well aware that the immediate book to look forward to at the moment is book 2, don't mind my attention already getting caught by the possibilities of el número cinco 👀
In upcoming news, Fer’s (Auggie’s dirty-mouthed, protective older brother) book will begin its serialization over on the patronage site Advanced Ashochism on Sunday, May 26th with weekly updates. From cozy mystery (The Last Picks), to romantic suspense (Nico/Jadon’s Follows with Intent), and now romance (Fer’s The Kiss Principle), GA is clearly trying to hit every genre bingo space this year.
Read
October 15, 2024OK, so. Spoilery rant incoming.
I think the Dash-Bobby "will they/won't they" tease has not just hit, but exceeded its natural limit. This is now book 5 of Bobby brooding and Dash panicking, while each ignoring every single (extremely non-subtle) clue that they are into each other. Dash's passivity in the face of his constant spiraling is infuriating: how often must we, the reader, put up with him panicking, saying something dumb, beating himself up for it, and then DOING NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION OR LEARN TO BETTER DEAL WITH IT??? There were at least 3 separate episodes of this spiral in this book alone (on top of multiple episodes in the preceding books), and it's exhausting when it keeps happening and no attempt is made to change the pattern. It's not that he has anxiety; it's that he makes no effort to recognize that his anxiety is actively ruining his relationships or do anything to treat it. And it's hard to root for a character that is so purposefully obtuse and hapless, because at a certain point there stops being anything to root for. This kind of willed helplessness can hold up for a book or two, but this is book 5 and there is still no meaningful progress (and yes, Bobby was in a relationship for some of that time, but we all knew West was just a bump in the road). And Bobby is so underwritten at this point that he just seems kind of weak and pathetic, like not to get all gender-essentialist about it, but MY GOD, MAN UP BOBBY!! And meanwhile, we're meant to believe that Dash's friends, the nosiest people in Hastings Rock, are just gonna let all this slide? Really?? They're only nosy when it's annoying, and mind their own business when their help is desperately needed? And then when the scene is finally set for an honest conversation, it gets derailed by the cheapest of authorial tricks? Again: if intentions can be that easily pushed aside, then how genuine are they in the first place?
The impending resurfacing of Hugo also fills me with dread. Because the Hugo that newsletter subscribers got in the prequel story was chilling, controlling, and gaslighty. But the Hugo we got in book 2 was Mr Charming (accompanied by Millie screeching HE'S PERFECT, Fox sniping meanly about how much better he is than Dash, and Keme having a man-crush) -- the promise of the prequel was so dialed down that, if I didn't already know that Hugo was emotionally abusive, it would have pretty much passed me by. So what are we, the reader, supposed to think?
And here we get to what I think is the main weakness of this series, which is that readers are being asked to do way too much work for the characters based on (I assume) authorial intention rather than what's actually on the page. One of my book friends floated the idea that Dash's panicked fear of emotional intimacy and commitment with Bobby owes to the aftereffects of the emotional abuse he suffered with Hugo. And I think that this is a perfectly plausible theory, and a way of extending more empathy to Dash even as he's frustrating the hell out of us. The problem is that THIS HAS NO BASIS IN ANY OF THE BOOKS!!! Again: readers who have not read the prequel -- which is probably a fair chunk, seeing as it was a time-limited newsletter or patreon thing -- would have literally no reason to take what we get of Hugo in book 2 and turn that into a coercive control-relationship. Because what we get in book 2 is Dash freaking out (which many people do when surprised by their ex), the last picks loving Hugo, Bobby being annoyed (jealousy), and Dash concluding the whole episode with a final "it's not you, it's me" and sending Hugo off on his merry way. If you're going to pitch us a "Dash can't be held accountable for his emotional illiteracy because of years of gaslighting and abuse" arc, then you have to show us that on page!! Because, again -- what are we supposed to root for?? Someone who is so passive and paralyzed that they can't, even one time, speak honestly about their wants to someone they know is kind? How much patience are we supposed to have for this?? How are we supposed to think that this relationship even SHOULD happen, given their utter inability to communicate? That Dash is all Man-of-Action regarding the mystery is, I understand, meant as a deliberate contrast to how he drags his feet in every other aspect (relationships; his writing), but it's hardly a useful contrast when it just makes the foot-dragging even more obvious and annoying.
I'm not even star-rating this because I can concede that the mystery was pretty solid and the writing was, as always, good, and I'm clearly invested, but the way this relationship ("relationship") and storyline is developing has me so incensed that I can't bring myself to even pretend to be objective. I'm holding out hope that the reappearance of Hugo will be a reset, and that Chekhov's prequel will finally pay off. I have a sinking suspicion, however, that the cozy genre simply can't accommodate what GA wants to do with Dash, with Keme (who clearly has a traumatic backstory that is referred to only to be waved away), and with whatever is going on with the Dash-Bobby dynamic. But if Dash doesn't put his big boy pants in the next book, then I'll just say it: run, Bobby, run!!
I got an ARC from the author, and I bet he's regretting it right now.
I think the Dash-Bobby "will they/won't they" tease has not just hit, but exceeded its natural limit. This is now book 5 of Bobby brooding and Dash panicking, while each ignoring every single (extremely non-subtle) clue that they are into each other. Dash's passivity in the face of his constant spiraling is infuriating: how often must we, the reader, put up with him panicking, saying something dumb, beating himself up for it, and then DOING NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION OR LEARN TO BETTER DEAL WITH IT??? There were at least 3 separate episodes of this spiral in this book alone (on top of multiple episodes in the preceding books), and it's exhausting when it keeps happening and no attempt is made to change the pattern. It's not that he has anxiety; it's that he makes no effort to recognize that his anxiety is actively ruining his relationships or do anything to treat it. And it's hard to root for a character that is so purposefully obtuse and hapless, because at a certain point there stops being anything to root for. This kind of willed helplessness can hold up for a book or two, but this is book 5 and there is still no meaningful progress (and yes, Bobby was in a relationship for some of that time, but we all knew West was just a bump in the road). And Bobby is so underwritten at this point that he just seems kind of weak and pathetic, like not to get all gender-essentialist about it, but MY GOD, MAN UP BOBBY!! And meanwhile, we're meant to believe that Dash's friends, the nosiest people in Hastings Rock, are just gonna let all this slide? Really?? They're only nosy when it's annoying, and mind their own business when their help is desperately needed? And then when the scene is finally set for an honest conversation, it gets derailed by the cheapest of authorial tricks? Again: if intentions can be that easily pushed aside, then how genuine are they in the first place?
The impending resurfacing of Hugo also fills me with dread. Because the Hugo that newsletter subscribers got in the prequel story was chilling, controlling, and gaslighty. But the Hugo we got in book 2 was Mr Charming (accompanied by Millie screeching HE'S PERFECT, Fox sniping meanly about how much better he is than Dash, and Keme having a man-crush) -- the promise of the prequel was so dialed down that, if I didn't already know that Hugo was emotionally abusive, it would have pretty much passed me by. So what are we, the reader, supposed to think?
And here we get to what I think is the main weakness of this series, which is that readers are being asked to do way too much work for the characters based on (I assume) authorial intention rather than what's actually on the page. One of my book friends floated the idea that Dash's panicked fear of emotional intimacy and commitment with Bobby owes to the aftereffects of the emotional abuse he suffered with Hugo. And I think that this is a perfectly plausible theory, and a way of extending more empathy to Dash even as he's frustrating the hell out of us. The problem is that THIS HAS NO BASIS IN ANY OF THE BOOKS!!! Again: readers who have not read the prequel -- which is probably a fair chunk, seeing as it was a time-limited newsletter or patreon thing -- would have literally no reason to take what we get of Hugo in book 2 and turn that into a coercive control-relationship. Because what we get in book 2 is Dash freaking out (which many people do when surprised by their ex), the last picks loving Hugo, Bobby being annoyed (jealousy), and Dash concluding the whole episode with a final "it's not you, it's me" and sending Hugo off on his merry way. If you're going to pitch us a "Dash can't be held accountable for his emotional illiteracy because of years of gaslighting and abuse" arc, then you have to show us that on page!! Because, again -- what are we supposed to root for?? Someone who is so passive and paralyzed that they can't, even one time, speak honestly about their wants to someone they know is kind? How much patience are we supposed to have for this?? How are we supposed to think that this relationship even SHOULD happen, given their utter inability to communicate? That Dash is all Man-of-Action regarding the mystery is, I understand, meant as a deliberate contrast to how he drags his feet in every other aspect (relationships; his writing), but it's hardly a useful contrast when it just makes the foot-dragging even more obvious and annoying.
I'm not even star-rating this because I can concede that the mystery was pretty solid and the writing was, as always, good, and I'm clearly invested, but the way this relationship ("relationship") and storyline is developing has me so incensed that I can't bring myself to even pretend to be objective. I'm holding out hope that the reappearance of Hugo will be a reset, and that Chekhov's prequel will finally pay off. I have a sinking suspicion, however, that the cozy genre simply can't accommodate what GA wants to do with Dash, with Keme (who clearly has a traumatic backstory that is referred to only to be waved away), and with whatever is going on with the Dash-Bobby dynamic. But if Dash doesn't put his big boy pants in the next book, then I'll just say it: run, Bobby, run!!
I got an ARC from the author, and I bet he's regretting it right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2024
Sure, the mystery is fun (poor Dash just can't stop finding corpses and rushing headlong into danger; also, no murderer will ever let him get a word in edgewise), but we're here for the Dash-and-Bobby Show, are we not? So, friends, let me warn you that though Dash tells us he's had therapy in the past, he is in urgent need of some more, or maybe Emery Hazard and Shaw Aldrich should just join forces (IYKYK) and knock him upside the head a few dozen times.
In a serious book-review way, though: I was more annoyed with Dash in this installment than in the previous books, which got me to wondering why that's so when every single Gregory Ashe couple is just as back-and-forth, will-they-won't-they, oh-no-they're-finished-for-sure-this-time as Dash and Bobby. Is it because we don't get Bobby's POV? Or maybe Dash's panics are so extreme that their emotional register doesn't quite suit the cozy genre?
Still, you know -- fun combined with sobbing into tissues, always a good time. And it looks as if one of my pessimistic predictions about Dash's romantic life is going to come true, so go me, I guess.
Thanks to GA for the ARC, this is my honest opinion, you know you're going to read this book so don't pretend otherwise.
In a serious book-review way, though: I was more annoyed with Dash in this installment than in the previous books, which got me to wondering why that's so when every single Gregory Ashe couple is just as back-and-forth, will-they-won't-they, oh-no-they're-finished-for-sure-this-time as Dash and Bobby. Is it because we don't get Bobby's POV? Or maybe Dash's panics are so extreme that their emotional register doesn't quite suit the cozy genre?
Still, you know -- fun combined with sobbing into tissues, always a good time. And it looks as if one of my pessimistic predictions about Dash's romantic life is going to come true, so go me, I guess.
Thanks to GA for the ARC, this is my honest opinion, you know you're going to read this book so don't pretend otherwise.
October 27, 2024
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
“But I couldn’t put it into words. If I put it into words, it might become real.”
Just Between You and Me, I feel like I am being rather unfair to the author and to Dash. Because if the author has the idea of having what stems between Dash and Bobby being the slowest of slow burns, then, it feels disrespectful of me to take offense to it. 😐 It is a refreshing, if not frustrating change of pace to where we have the obvious attraction between two people, and who act upon instantly; as compared to these two who have so much emotional damage that they often, deliberately, if not intentionally side-step the obvious reasons why they can't be together. 💔
�� It's not the continuous arduous explanations of reasonings that Dash doles out, where he asserts why he is very much behaving like a donkey about the dating stuff'. Or where he realizes his mistake in acting or speaking too rashly, even when he sees the conflicting response of Bobby, who maybe does want more of an active if not positive response from him. 😟 Why his mouth gets away from him and he says things he doesn't really mean to avoid the apparently obvious, which is pretty much obvious to everyone - to his mortification. But, it just feels so exhausting to see that their own personalities are having them avoid the eventual confrontation. 🙎🏻♀️
“We’re all afraid of taking risks, Dash. But if you try to play it safe forever, one day, it’ll be too late.”
But, once Dash even alluded to the Donkey from Shrek as his past self - I really could not unsee it! 🙈 And that is why I did feel sorry for him. How really lonely and alone he was, and was just not able to find someone he could take a chance with - risk his emotions, especially when said emotions belong to someone who's experienced his own fair share of pain, and is still struggling with it, too. Always finding himself in situations not of his own volition, trying in vain to figure out the truth behind it, while still trying to juggle what is going on in his head - even if it is just plain old paralyzing self-doubt and in his heart. 😢
There was a sweet moment - kinda cute between the two of them that I really felt their chemistry, till they both halted it before it could mean anything. I think what is offending most and what is making their slow burn not feel like one, is that there is just no progress to it, nor to their personalities. It’s not rushing if it’s the right person, is it?' But, I do agree how the author has addressed that because it means so much to them, they want it to be done just right - no rush, no resistance, just this surefied, certified, fortified feeling that their mutual feelings won't be a mistake. So, maybe the pay-off will be worth it.
Also I may be just the only one, but I never knew that Bobby Mai was from Vietnam? Not sure if I liked how it was even revealed - a nice Viet boy - but, hey, what do I know? 😒
I do like the cleverness of the cover, too; if not, the directness of how it is showing that Bobby and Dash are communicating - facing away from each other.
And oh, what was up with that ending??? Not at all what you should be doing to progress a relationship! 😬 Talk about self-sabotage!! 😫
The Last Picks - well, as slowly as the relationship is unfolding we do get glimpses into their personal lives, this time around, Fox having a moment to find himself. I can't say I am particularly fond of any of them, despite how much Dash reassures us that for their teasing and consideration, it does come from the heart, and he is very much happy to be on the receiving end. 🫂 But, they really don't do much else; they're like background noise. One which I could silent if I could and no one would notice. I think it would help if they are a little more proactive in not only the mystery-solving, but having a mystery involve them, too. Not having it alway be Dash accidentally finding a dead body; the redundancy was cute before, but now it's too stale to be enjoyable. The joke has run its course. 🙅🏻♀️
“I believe you.” Her tone tilted toward amusement. “I’m annoyed, but I believe you.”
The mystery - was there a mystery? 🙃 Okay, okay, I won't be too harsh. I liked Shipwreck Shores' vibes. I liked how Dash was befuddled, rightfully so, and how the answer, well, clicked, for him who the culprit was, but not quite to our knowledge. The clues are never quite apparent, and it just makes for fumbling along, till all the obvious comedic timing is gonna land. I didn't like the explanation behind it - I don't know, it's very tongue-in-cheek, where now I can see the indications where the writing is poking fun at itself, and in a way, to its readers. 😒
Pointing out that yes, Dash can never have the chance to explain himself, or, oh, look at another body he just stumbles upon. It may sound refreshing, but it also feels like it is being mean, too. Like, the author is proving that yes, he is aware of everything that is being blatantly done with the disregard of it being the direction that he wishes to take it. 'Again?” he said to me. “Really?' 🤨 I guess it helps that he is self-aware of what is being done, and we as readers have chosen to stick around for, gosh, six-seven more. Fine, I accept it; to each their own, and of course, respectfully to each author, as well.
Does not mean that I have to like it. Will the wait be worth it? Time will tell. 🥺
Oh, and the best thing about this - Chester. He deserved better, and I'm not too sure why the author wrote his character like that, but, honestly. He and Dash had great chemistry. Very genuine. Very sincere. Very free of any inhibitions or restrictions. Which does make me feel that maybe a fresh breath of air might just do Dash some good. 😮💨
“But I couldn’t put it into words. If I put it into words, it might become real.”
Just Between You and Me, I feel like I am being rather unfair to the author and to Dash. Because if the author has the idea of having what stems between Dash and Bobby being the slowest of slow burns, then, it feels disrespectful of me to take offense to it. 😐 It is a refreshing, if not frustrating change of pace to where we have the obvious attraction between two people, and who act upon instantly; as compared to these two who have so much emotional damage that they often, deliberately, if not intentionally side-step the obvious reasons why they can't be together. 💔
�� It's not the continuous arduous explanations of reasonings that Dash doles out, where he asserts why he is very much behaving like a donkey about the dating stuff'. Or where he realizes his mistake in acting or speaking too rashly, even when he sees the conflicting response of Bobby, who maybe does want more of an active if not positive response from him. 😟 Why his mouth gets away from him and he says things he doesn't really mean to avoid the apparently obvious, which is pretty much obvious to everyone - to his mortification. But, it just feels so exhausting to see that their own personalities are having them avoid the eventual confrontation. 🙎🏻♀️
“We’re all afraid of taking risks, Dash. But if you try to play it safe forever, one day, it’ll be too late.”
But, once Dash even alluded to the Donkey from Shrek as his past self - I really could not unsee it! 🙈 And that is why I did feel sorry for him. How really lonely and alone he was, and was just not able to find someone he could take a chance with - risk his emotions, especially when said emotions belong to someone who's experienced his own fair share of pain, and is still struggling with it, too. Always finding himself in situations not of his own volition, trying in vain to figure out the truth behind it, while still trying to juggle what is going on in his head - even if it is just plain old paralyzing self-doubt and in his heart. 😢
There was a sweet moment - kinda cute between the two of them that I really felt their chemistry, till they both halted it before it could mean anything. I think what is offending most and what is making their slow burn not feel like one, is that there is just no progress to it, nor to their personalities. It’s not rushing if it’s the right person, is it?' But, I do agree how the author has addressed that because it means so much to them, they want it to be done just right - no rush, no resistance, just this surefied, certified, fortified feeling that their mutual feelings won't be a mistake. So, maybe the pay-off will be worth it.
Also I may be just the only one, but I never knew that Bobby Mai was from Vietnam? Not sure if I liked how it was even revealed - a nice Viet boy - but, hey, what do I know? 😒
I do like the cleverness of the cover, too; if not, the directness of how it is showing that Bobby and Dash are communicating - facing away from each other.
And oh, what was up with that ending??? Not at all what you should be doing to progress a relationship! 😬 Talk about self-sabotage!! 😫
The Last Picks - well, as slowly as the relationship is unfolding we do get glimpses into their personal lives, this time around, Fox having a moment to find himself. I can't say I am particularly fond of any of them, despite how much Dash reassures us that for their teasing and consideration, it does come from the heart, and he is very much happy to be on the receiving end. 🫂 But, they really don't do much else; they're like background noise. One which I could silent if I could and no one would notice. I think it would help if they are a little more proactive in not only the mystery-solving, but having a mystery involve them, too. Not having it alway be Dash accidentally finding a dead body; the redundancy was cute before, but now it's too stale to be enjoyable. The joke has run its course. 🙅🏻♀️
“I believe you.” Her tone tilted toward amusement. “I’m annoyed, but I believe you.”
The mystery - was there a mystery? 🙃 Okay, okay, I won't be too harsh. I liked Shipwreck Shores' vibes. I liked how Dash was befuddled, rightfully so, and how the answer, well, clicked, for him who the culprit was, but not quite to our knowledge. The clues are never quite apparent, and it just makes for fumbling along, till all the obvious comedic timing is gonna land. I didn't like the explanation behind it - I don't know, it's very tongue-in-cheek, where now I can see the indications where the writing is poking fun at itself, and in a way, to its readers. 😒
Pointing out that yes, Dash can never have the chance to explain himself, or, oh, look at another body he just stumbles upon. It may sound refreshing, but it also feels like it is being mean, too. Like, the author is proving that yes, he is aware of everything that is being blatantly done with the disregard of it being the direction that he wishes to take it. 'Again?” he said to me. “Really?' 🤨 I guess it helps that he is self-aware of what is being done, and we as readers have chosen to stick around for, gosh, six-seven more. Fine, I accept it; to each their own, and of course, respectfully to each author, as well.
Does not mean that I have to like it. Will the wait be worth it? Time will tell. 🥺
Oh, and the best thing about this - Chester. He deserved better, and I'm not too sure why the author wrote his character like that, but, honestly. He and Dash had great chemistry. Very genuine. Very sincere. Very free of any inhibitions or restrictions. Which does make me feel that maybe a fresh breath of air might just do Dash some good. 😮💨
June 2, 2025
The only thing stopping me from devouring this series whole, is waiting on the audiobooks. A part of me just wants to read the ebooks, but the narration is so good that it's worth the wait.
October 23, 2024
I am finding it REALLY HARD to keep my patience with either Dash or Bobby refusing to actually deal with their issues or USE THEIR WORDS. This was probably 2.5, rounded up. I do not think this relationship/slow burn/whatever you want to call it can withstand 7 more books. Or perhaps I just can’t.
October 22, 2024
Ran out of patience
with the waffling, “cozy” crimes,
hints of real conflict.
with the waffling, “cozy” crimes,
hints of real conflict.
December 20, 2024
I hate this book🤣🤣🤣 I hate Gregory😂😂😭😭 What is all this pleasee. I am so stressed. What was that. These two idiots!!!!!! FGS😭😭😭😭 I want to screammmmmmmmmm. Also it was my favorite book on the series because there was depth and we started seeing and knowing the characters more (Poor Foxy🥺). But yeah . Jesus, Dash and Bobby pleaseeee stop being stupid😭😭😭.
Mystery Magnet - 5 stars
Dude Magnet - 4.25 stars
Doom Magnet - 4 stars
Broken bird - 4.5 stars
Between You and Me - 5 stars
Mystery Magnet - 5 stars
Dude Magnet - 4.25 stars
Doom Magnet - 4 stars
Broken bird - 4.5 stars
Between You and Me - 5 stars
June 7, 2025
God!!!! I’m so frustrated!!!!!! 😣 😢
These two idiots!!!! Goddamnit!!!
But I’m especially frustrated with Dash….yes it is (mostly) his fault!!!!
And I managed to get even more frustrated with the sneak preview of Again with feeling….
Jesus I’m pissed….😮💨
That being said, I loved it! I’m a masochist like that 😅
These two idiots!!!! Goddamnit!!!
But I’m especially frustrated with Dash….yes it is (mostly) his fault!!!!
And I managed to get even more frustrated with the sneak preview of Again with feeling….
Jesus I’m pissed….😮💨
That being said, I loved it! I’m a masochist like that 😅
November 13, 2024
AIEEEEE Listen if the romance element was a meal it’d be made in a crockpot because Greg has had things on a simmer for 5 books! Loved it, but as a veteran Gregory Ashe reader I was prepared for how long the romance would take to come together.
As always, a fun mystery that toys with classic tropes and an interesting location; this time it’s a traveling carnival complete with a haunted house and a funhouse full of mirrors, and a pirate decoration on a zip line that almost hits Dash in the head a few times.
We get personal growth, deepening found family friendships, some one-on-one time with our non-binary icon Fox, and fantastic writing tackling Dash’s insecurities and desires.
“Of course, there would be simpler ways of gaslighting you.”
“Please don’t explain how.”
“I’d buy one of those candles that smell like cookies, and I’d set the oven timer to go off, and then when you came downstairs, no cookies.”
“You’re a master of manip—”
“Oh!” Millie said. “Or I could say, ‘Wow, Bobby, you’re so sweaty from that run. You should get a towel instead of taking off your shirt to wipe your face.’”
“One time,” Keme said, “he tripped over the rug when Bobby was stretching.”
“That’s not even an example of gaslighting!”
Keme shrugged.
“Not to mention,” Fox said, “nobody would want to gaslight you.”
“Again, please don’t—”
“I mean, why would they? What would they want from you? What could anyone ever possibly want from you?”
“Libraries, like stories, had been a refuge for me. I’d been doing a bit of storytelling myself lately, I recognized. It was easy to make Bobby into something he wasn’t—to make him into a storybook hero, to idealize him, to assume he always felt confident and secure, that any misunderstanding or failure in communication was on my part.”
“I was going to have to talk… about my feelings. It was like an intersection of all my nightmares. Like being naked in a pit full of spiders. Only the spiders were also super judgy about your body. And they were taking pictures. Oh, and they’d read all my stories, and they knew my writing was crap. See, you thought the spiders were the worst part.”
-ARC Read
As always, a fun mystery that toys with classic tropes and an interesting location; this time it’s a traveling carnival complete with a haunted house and a funhouse full of mirrors, and a pirate decoration on a zip line that almost hits Dash in the head a few times.
We get personal growth, deepening found family friendships, some one-on-one time with our non-binary icon Fox, and fantastic writing tackling Dash’s insecurities and desires.
“Of course, there would be simpler ways of gaslighting you.”
“Please don’t explain how.”
“I’d buy one of those candles that smell like cookies, and I’d set the oven timer to go off, and then when you came downstairs, no cookies.”
“You’re a master of manip—”
“Oh!” Millie said. “Or I could say, ‘Wow, Bobby, you’re so sweaty from that run. You should get a towel instead of taking off your shirt to wipe your face.’”
“One time,” Keme said, “he tripped over the rug when Bobby was stretching.”
“That’s not even an example of gaslighting!”
Keme shrugged.
“Not to mention,” Fox said, “nobody would want to gaslight you.”
“Again, please don’t—”
“I mean, why would they? What would they want from you? What could anyone ever possibly want from you?”
“Libraries, like stories, had been a refuge for me. I’d been doing a bit of storytelling myself lately, I recognized. It was easy to make Bobby into something he wasn’t—to make him into a storybook hero, to idealize him, to assume he always felt confident and secure, that any misunderstanding or failure in communication was on my part.”
“I was going to have to talk… about my feelings. It was like an intersection of all my nightmares. Like being naked in a pit full of spiders. Only the spiders were also super judgy about your body. And they were taking pictures. Oh, and they’d read all my stories, and they knew my writing was crap. See, you thought the spiders were the worst part.”
-ARC Read
October 30, 2024
I can't do this again.
This isn't slow burn. We're losing the sauce, where is the passion.
I understand Dash anxieties, I do really, but I guess I just wasn't in the mood to see him go around in circle (pédaler dans la semoule was my first thoughts).
If books 6 doesn't get me the closure I need I will jump.
I will
*edit to add :
MAKE DASH FAT
He can't be eating all that, doing the bare minimum exercise with Bobby, being inside on his desk all day and EAT EAT EAT EAT EAT and still be skinny.
The scene with Bobby where he was like "uwu, my arms are so skinny compared to him" iegqiognvezofejlngrioergun
no
This isn't slow burn. We're losing the sauce, where is the passion.
I understand Dash anxieties, I do really, but I guess I just wasn't in the mood to see him go around in circle (pédaler dans la semoule was my first thoughts).
If books 6 doesn't get me the closure I need I will jump.
I will
*edit to add :
MAKE DASH FAT
He can't be eating all that, doing the bare minimum exercise with Bobby, being inside on his desk all day and EAT EAT EAT EAT EAT and still be skinny.
The scene with Bobby where he was like "uwu, my arms are so skinny compared to him" iegqiognvezofejlngrioergun
no
November 23, 2024
B / 4 stars
Dashiell Dawson Dane and his motley crew of friends return for book five of The Last Picks , this one set around Valentine’s Day, and which opens with them all joining most of the other inhabitants of Hastings Rock for the annual Sweethearts Festival at the local amusement park. For one week every February, Shipwreck Shores opens up to celebrate Valentine’s, offering nautical-themed rides and games, including a rollercoaster (the Sea Snake, natch), and even a fun house, Davy Jones’ Locker, which, as Dash very quickly finds out, isn’t much fun at all. Not when you literally stumble across a dead body inside – a dead body which disappears in the time between your finding it and running outside to call the cops.
As I’ve said before, the author is clearly having fun playing with the various tropes and conventions in the mystery genre, and in Between You and Me we have the ‘disappearing body’ – where the main character is sure a murder has been committed, but is unable to prove it. But Dash knows what he saw and his friends know he’s not making it up – and, of course, they suggest that Dash should investigate, find the body, and, more to the point, find the murderer.
The mystery is, as always, clever and well-put together, and a murder-mystery in a fun house is a nicely creepy touch. The red-herrings mount up and bodies come and go as it becomes clear that whoever is responsible will stop at nothing to keep their secret – and Dash’s determination to get to the truth puts him firmly in their crosshairs.
The Last Picks are again on hand to provide encouragement and moral support, and I enjoy spending time with them. The brotherly energy between Keme and Dash is great, Indira’s voice of reason is always welcome and watching Keme figuratively tripping over his own feet around Millie is both funny and sweet. In this story we get to know a bit more about Fox, who is somewhat less than their usual flamboyant melodramatic self, and whose problems give Dash the opportunity to be a supportive friend. In return, Fox is able to offer Dash some badly needed insight and advice, forcing him to face up to the fact that he can’t keep dithering (and running away) forever.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Gregory Ashe’s books - they work for me on every level; writing, plot, characters, relationships – and knowing that slow burn romances are often part of his MO, I settled into The Last Picks knowing not to expect Dash and his love interest to get together early on. But this latest instalment of the Dash ‘n’ Bobby show is the most frustrating yet.
Since Doom Magnet , where it genuinely seemed as though they were finally in a position to at least think about moving beyond friendship, we’ve had two books of Dash panicking and bemoaning the fact that they’re no longer enjoying the easy friendship they once did, and Bobby being all quiet and broody, both of them seeming to be totally oblivious to the clues they’re interested in each other that everyone else can see flashing in big neon letters. In Between You and Me, it’s clear that they’re no longer oblivious – they’re just paralysed into inaction. We get (I think) three separate instances of pages and pages of Dash’s anxiety spiralling as he overthinks and repeats his insecurities about the risks of getting romantically involved with someone – and honestly, it was exhausting. Don’t misunderstand me – the author’s ability to stretch out a slooooow burn is unparalleled, but I fear the ‘will they/won’t they’ in this series may have been stretched just a bit too far. In terms of page count, I think we had to wait longer for Hazard and Somers to own up to how they felt about each other, but the Hazard and Somerset books have a lot more going on to provide tension than just the bumpy romance, and there were external circumstances the couple needed to address before they could be together. The only thing keeping Dash and Bobby apart at this point is, well, Dash and Bobby (who is so underwritten that he’s in danger of fading into the background, and I can have only so much sympathy for a character who constantly gets in his own way and refuses to help himself.
And if that final line is the precursor to yet another road block, I will spit feathers.
/rant
After all that, it must seem as though I didn’t enjoy the book, but that’s not the case, because I did. The writing is excellent, the mystery is extremely well done – the moment where the author’s slight-of-hand/misdirection is revealed is a doozy and the finale is tense and exciting - and Dash’s internal musings (whether about bacon-wrapped turkey legs or Indira’s fabulous cakes) are always endearingly self-deprecating and funny. I suppose that if I was reading these books solely for the mysteries I might not find the Dash and Bobby thing so frustrating, but I’m invested in these two idiots in love and want them to be happy and together, dammit!
Here’s hoping these two dumb boys will get their heads out of their arses in the next book!
Dashiell Dawson Dane and his motley crew of friends return for book five of The Last Picks , this one set around Valentine’s Day, and which opens with them all joining most of the other inhabitants of Hastings Rock for the annual Sweethearts Festival at the local amusement park. For one week every February, Shipwreck Shores opens up to celebrate Valentine’s, offering nautical-themed rides and games, including a rollercoaster (the Sea Snake, natch), and even a fun house, Davy Jones’ Locker, which, as Dash very quickly finds out, isn’t much fun at all. Not when you literally stumble across a dead body inside – a dead body which disappears in the time between your finding it and running outside to call the cops.
As I’ve said before, the author is clearly having fun playing with the various tropes and conventions in the mystery genre, and in Between You and Me we have the ‘disappearing body’ – where the main character is sure a murder has been committed, but is unable to prove it. But Dash knows what he saw and his friends know he’s not making it up – and, of course, they suggest that Dash should investigate, find the body, and, more to the point, find the murderer.
The mystery is, as always, clever and well-put together, and a murder-mystery in a fun house is a nicely creepy touch. The red-herrings mount up and bodies come and go as it becomes clear that whoever is responsible will stop at nothing to keep their secret – and Dash’s determination to get to the truth puts him firmly in their crosshairs.
The Last Picks are again on hand to provide encouragement and moral support, and I enjoy spending time with them. The brotherly energy between Keme and Dash is great, Indira’s voice of reason is always welcome and watching Keme figuratively tripping over his own feet around Millie is both funny and sweet. In this story we get to know a bit more about Fox, who is somewhat less than their usual flamboyant melodramatic self, and whose problems give Dash the opportunity to be a supportive friend. In return, Fox is able to offer Dash some badly needed insight and advice, forcing him to face up to the fact that he can’t keep dithering (and running away) forever.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Gregory Ashe’s books - they work for me on every level; writing, plot, characters, relationships – and knowing that slow burn romances are often part of his MO, I settled into The Last Picks knowing not to expect Dash and his love interest to get together early on. But this latest instalment of the Dash ‘n’ Bobby show is the most frustrating yet.
Since Doom Magnet , where it genuinely seemed as though they were finally in a position to at least think about moving beyond friendship, we’ve had two books of Dash panicking and bemoaning the fact that they’re no longer enjoying the easy friendship they once did, and Bobby being all quiet and broody, both of them seeming to be totally oblivious to the clues they’re interested in each other that everyone else can see flashing in big neon letters. In Between You and Me, it’s clear that they’re no longer oblivious – they’re just paralysed into inaction. We get (I think) three separate instances of pages and pages of Dash’s anxiety spiralling as he overthinks and repeats his insecurities about the risks of getting romantically involved with someone – and honestly, it was exhausting. Don’t misunderstand me – the author’s ability to stretch out a slooooow burn is unparalleled, but I fear the ‘will they/won’t they’ in this series may have been stretched just a bit too far. In terms of page count, I think we had to wait longer for Hazard and Somers to own up to how they felt about each other, but the Hazard and Somerset books have a lot more going on to provide tension than just the bumpy romance, and there were external circumstances the couple needed to address before they could be together. The only thing keeping Dash and Bobby apart at this point is, well, Dash and Bobby (who is so underwritten that he’s in danger of fading into the background, and I can have only so much sympathy for a character who constantly gets in his own way and refuses to help himself.
And if that final line is the precursor to yet another road block, I will spit feathers.
/rant
After all that, it must seem as though I didn’t enjoy the book, but that’s not the case, because I did. The writing is excellent, the mystery is extremely well done – the moment where the author’s slight-of-hand/misdirection is revealed is a doozy and the finale is tense and exciting - and Dash’s internal musings (whether about bacon-wrapped turkey legs or Indira’s fabulous cakes) are always endearingly self-deprecating and funny. I suppose that if I was reading these books solely for the mysteries I might not find the Dash and Bobby thing so frustrating, but I’m invested in these two idiots in love and want them to be happy and together, dammit!
Here’s hoping these two dumb boys will get their heads out of their arses in the next book!
October 20, 2024
I loved this! After not totally enjoying the last book in this series this one brought back everything I have enjoyed about Dash and his friends. It was fun and also so endearing.
I loved the setting of the mystery at an amusement park, especially the fun house which is based off of Hemlock House. This added to the story and brought in that extra spooky feeling. Fun houses kind of freak me out, they make me feel so disoriented and out of sorts and that’s exactly what happened to Dash so it was the perfect place to find a body.
Dash had the best moment with Fox and their conversation was so touching. I love these moments and learning more of the Last Picks. I hope to see more of the rest of them.
I think Dash is my soulmate sometimes, his feelings of staying in his bedroom and how books and libraries are safe spaces for him, I felt that in my soul.
This ending gutted me!!!!! How can Dash and Bobby be so off the mark from each other???? They both need to be shaken!!! Dash had Fox to lay it out for him but Bobby needs that too!!! Hopefully they’ll each get their act together soon!!!!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
I loved the setting of the mystery at an amusement park, especially the fun house which is based off of Hemlock House. This added to the story and brought in that extra spooky feeling. Fun houses kind of freak me out, they make me feel so disoriented and out of sorts and that’s exactly what happened to Dash so it was the perfect place to find a body.
Dash had the best moment with Fox and their conversation was so touching. I love these moments and learning more of the Last Picks. I hope to see more of the rest of them.
I think Dash is my soulmate sometimes, his feelings of staying in his bedroom and how books and libraries are safe spaces for him, I felt that in my soul.
This ending gutted me!!!!! How can Dash and Bobby be so off the mark from each other???? They both need to be shaken!!! Dash had Fox to lay it out for him but Bobby needs that too!!! Hopefully they’ll each get their act together soon!!!!
ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own
Read
November 20, 2024I don’t know how to rate this one. I enjoyed the mystery a lot. I adore the characters. But I am soooooooo frustrated at this point with the slow burn whatever is happening between Bobby and Dash, that I can’t decide what rating to give it. I’m glad the next book comes out in a few weeks but jeeze . . .
October 8, 2024
I feel like at this point I've become a broken record but I really do love this series. There's the cozy element that's fun and whimsical and soft, yet there's that GA edge that makes you remember, "Oh. Right."
The mystery was a lot of fun. It kept me guessing, although I did land on where we ended up once or twice, I wasn't always a hundred percent sure. But there were a few times I was like, "hmmmmm..." And any murder mystery in a fun house is just both creepy and delightful.
The Last Picks were a delight, as always. I love how we're getting character bits and bobs fed to us about them all. There are twelve books in this series, so I think too much information too soon would just be too much (wow, I used "too" a lot...). Learning about them all slowly is great. Once the whole series is complete, going back and reading through it again will be a delight. Also, I can already tell that the book where we learn more about Keme is going to break my heart.
Dash has more and more character development every book--BUT, he's still an anxiety-riddled mess, and I frankly love that. It's so much more real. Healing is not linear. Also, as someone who suffers from, occasionally crippling, anxiety, the way Greg writes it always makes me feel so seen. And there are some of the best examples in this book.
Ah, and Dash and Bobby... These two are going to kill me. Officially.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery was a lot of fun. It kept me guessing, although I did land on where we ended up once or twice, I wasn't always a hundred percent sure. But there were a few times I was like, "hmmmmm..." And any murder mystery in a fun house is just both creepy and delightful.
The Last Picks were a delight, as always. I love how we're getting character bits and bobs fed to us about them all. There are twelve books in this series, so I think too much information too soon would just be too much (wow, I used "too" a lot...). Learning about them all slowly is great. Once the whole series is complete, going back and reading through it again will be a delight. Also, I can already tell that the book where we learn more about Keme is going to break my heart.
Dash has more and more character development every book--BUT, he's still an anxiety-riddled mess, and I frankly love that. It's so much more real. Healing is not linear. Also, as someone who suffers from, occasionally crippling, anxiety, the way Greg writes it always makes me feel so seen. And there are some of the best examples in this book.
Ah, and Dash and Bobby... These two are going to kill me. Officially.
All in all, I really enjoyed this and highly recommend!
Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2024
Between you and me , I want to bash Greg over the head for his pleasure in torturing us so much. I can just picture his evil cackle when he informed his beloved readers that he was going to diverge into “cozy mystery” territory. Jokes on us, right?!
On a serious note, I love these guys. So many fun characters . In general the whole vibe of this series is fun. I particularly liked the Stephen Kings - Joyland vibes I got from this (as this is one of my absolute favourite books). Whilst of course fun, I do have to admit that the mystery elements in this series aren’t as strong as in some of his other series (and well that’s likely intentional ) and I do miss that a little. However the colourful town and characters are really the heart of these books and I’m always left wanting more. I particularly enjoyed Dash and Fox’s bonding in this one and I’m really hoping that we get a little more on Keme in the next few books. I’m really curious about his character and knowing Greg, I suspect it’s rather depressing 😆
Bobby and Dash…I don’t want to talk about it !
On a serious note, I love these guys. So many fun characters . In general the whole vibe of this series is fun. I particularly liked the Stephen Kings - Joyland vibes I got from this (as this is one of my absolute favourite books). Whilst of course fun, I do have to admit that the mystery elements in this series aren’t as strong as in some of his other series (and well that’s likely intentional ) and I do miss that a little. However the colourful town and characters are really the heart of these books and I’m always left wanting more. I particularly enjoyed Dash and Fox’s bonding in this one and I’m really hoping that we get a little more on Keme in the next few books. I’m really curious about his character and knowing Greg, I suspect it’s rather depressing 😆
Bobby and Dash…I don’t want to talk about it !
October 22, 2024
I’m out. I can only tolerate so much unnecessary miscommunication. Like yes, these two have their own issues but you’re telling me that two people who started out with a really strong friendship don’t have a basic understanding of each other’s own issues? Maybe when this series is finally finished I’ll come back to read how it all turns out but I just don’t have the patience for this kind of slow burn. You know, the kind that stops being a slow burn and just muddles about in the middle making zero progress for the sake of *drama* and then picks up again right before the end like it was all completely fine.
For a while there I thought I could do it, but I’ve been reminded of why I HATE Gregory Ashe books very sharply right now to the point of not even caring who the killer is or how it all turns out.
For a while there I thought I could do it, but I’ve been reminded of why I HATE Gregory Ashe books very sharply right now to the point of not even caring who the killer is or how it all turns out.
November 1, 2025
The plot on this one well I’ll be honest was STUPID.
Even more inane was Dash’s behavior towards Bobby. What an epic idiot. Dash does NOT deserve Bobby. Bobby run far far away.
The Fox side plot was 🫠🫠🫠🫠☀️
I’ll read the next one and then I’ll probably need a break. I can only take so much frustration 😵💫😣😣😣😣
Even more inane was Dash’s behavior towards Bobby. What an epic idiot. Dash does NOT deserve Bobby. Bobby run far far away.
The Fox side plot was 🫠🫠🫠🫠☀️
I’ll read the next one and then I’ll probably need a break. I can only take so much frustration 😵💫😣😣😣😣
October 21, 2024
This may be a cozy series, but in tried and true GA fashion, his characters progress in some areas while backsliding in others. Unpopular opinion, maybe, but I love that the road to Dash & Bobby getting together has not been easy, and that five books in, Dash's anxieties and insecurities are still making it difficult for him to voice his true feelings. It is a step backward from the previous book, but Dash's characterization throughout the series make his actions believable and understandable. I find myself more sympathetic rather than frustrated at his inability to communicate honestly with Bobby. I could've done with slightly less explanation from Dash in his introspection, though.
The mystery in this one didn't do much for me, but the pirate-themed amusement park was a fun setting. And let's be real, I'm here for Dash and Bobby, anyway.
Last thing, Chester and his dad are wonderful side characters and I hope they show up in future books because I absolutely love them. We've only had Chester for one book but I am rooting for his success and happiness!
The mystery in this one didn't do much for me, but the pirate-themed amusement park was a fun setting. And let's be real, I'm here for Dash and Bobby, anyway.
Last thing, Chester and his dad are wonderful side characters and I hope they show up in future books because I absolutely love them. We've only had Chester for one book but I am rooting for his success and happiness!
October 22, 2024
The author never seems to be able to know when to stop with making things more dramatic. The protagonist at this point just sounds annoying and cruel and dumb. Having social anxiety or being scared doesn’t transform you into mumbling idiot. It’s just too much and it was painful to read knowing how bobby was exposing himself so much.
October 23, 2024
I'm starting to get really frustrated by the progress with these now. I don't like the miscommunication trope and that's getting in the way. Otherwise though I continue to love the cast of characters. I enjoyed understanding more about Fox in this one. I hope we learn more about Keme and Indira soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
This was the first book where the will-they-won't-they started to grate. Mostly because the whole book feels like it's leading up to the final conversation that both characters handle badly, and OFC feelings are not admitted to, which was very emotionally unsatisfying. It does seem like the next book finally does resolve things, but it did feel like this book was set up to deliver that and didn't.
November 1, 2024
This one didn't quite do it for me, and part of it is frustration but most of it is simple low interest in the plot. The author does a good job of showing and describing debilitating anxiety, that's the best part.
October 14, 2024
I love so much about this series, I’ve no idea how you can have so many murders but they’re still interesting. I’m pretty tired of Dash and Bobby now though, it’s just so unbearably slow and the hold up feels rather contrived.
October 22, 2024
I don't like these kinds of romance where MCs aren't getting anywhere.
March 25, 2025
I'm getting even more annoyed...but I'm still enjoying the mysteries.
On to the next!
On to the next!
February 26, 2025
2.5⭐
This was a nicer book with the guys having patched up their friendship and the mystery is actually quite interesting. But the ending is a total FUDGE YOU to the reader. (Intentionally using cutesy almost-curseword like the book does. And intentionally mentioning that I don't really mean fudge here, like this series does, and really doesn't need to every time there is a curse word.)
This is a total cop out reset button here, only worse, it's steps backwards into misery. Look, I know Ashe tortures his readers, but I really thought he wouldn't do it with cosy series. And the problem here is that in the grittier series all the gut-wrenching suffering can make sense. I can understand why the guys are having such a hard time and why the obstacles seem endless. But here in this cute cosy setting, they're just being huge cowards and it all feels dragged out and weird. The same formula just does. not. work. here.
Some spoilers:
This was a nicer book with the guys having patched up their friendship and the mystery is actually quite interesting. But the ending is a total FUDGE YOU to the reader. (Intentionally using cutesy almost-curseword like the book does. And intentionally mentioning that I don't really mean fudge here, like this series does, and really doesn't need to every time there is a curse word.)
This is a total cop out reset button here, only worse, it's steps backwards into misery. Look, I know Ashe tortures his readers, but I really thought he wouldn't do it with cosy series. And the problem here is that in the grittier series all the gut-wrenching suffering can make sense. I can understand why the guys are having such a hard time and why the obstacles seem endless. But here in this cute cosy setting, they're just being huge cowards and it all feels dragged out and weird. The same formula just does. not. work. here.
Some spoilers:
January 16, 2026
Oh. My. God. For a lot orbiting around Dash and Deputy Bobby's romance in this instalment, this book is hella annoying. Dash needs to stop talking. Bobby needs to spit out how he feels. And them both giving Fox relationship advice, which was really about them, it's obnoxiously pot meet kettle. Stop fucking talking now, Dash. The inner monologue about how he should have stopped talking should also apply to his inner thoughts that won't shut the fuck up either.
This book is not great. The murder/mystery was average. Dash's insistence of doing the most brainless things around solving a murder, why do they even bother having a sheriff's office? It shitted me to tears here. There is too much waffle, a character named Chester, who seems thrown in there for more diversity, he's ace, and the non-romance romance is a hot mess. Communication is a mix of juvenile and ludicrous. There's no excuse in this cozy series for so much hand-wringing around Dash and Deputy Bobby's (non-starter, yet again) relationship. If I hear "we're friends" one more time I'm going to yeet something.
This book is not great. The murder/mystery was average. Dash's insistence of doing the most brainless things around solving a murder, why do they even bother having a sheriff's office? It shitted me to tears here. There is too much waffle, a character named Chester, who seems thrown in there for more diversity, he's ace, and the non-romance romance is a hot mess. Communication is a mix of juvenile and ludicrous. There's no excuse in this cozy series for so much hand-wringing around Dash and Deputy Bobby's (non-starter, yet again) relationship. If I hear "we're friends" one more time I'm going to yeet something.
October 23, 2024
Another hit by my fave, Gregory Ashe!
Character/relationship development spoilers:
I also really liked the plot of this book! Usually either the character/relationship development or the plot is stronger to me in a book, but in this case they were equally enjoyable for me. I always say that my favorite kind of mystery is one that I can figure out somewhat, but not all the way, and that was the case here. I thought the amusement park setting was really fun territory to explore, with a few mini-mysteries included, and I had an easy time visualizing everything in my head. Every scene in the fun house was a delightful nightmare and had me on edge (but in a cozy way, somehow).
I'd be remiss to not include a little note about my favorite scene, possibly in the entire series, which was Fox and Dash having a heart-to-heart. It was just really lovely found family material, and let us get a little peek into Fox's world.
And lastly, was the most DELIGHTFUL surprise!
Character/relationship development spoilers:
I also really liked the plot of this book! Usually either the character/relationship development or the plot is stronger to me in a book, but in this case they were equally enjoyable for me. I always say that my favorite kind of mystery is one that I can figure out somewhat, but not all the way, and that was the case here. I thought the amusement park setting was really fun territory to explore, with a few mini-mysteries included, and I had an easy time visualizing everything in my head. Every scene in the fun house was a delightful nightmare and had me on edge (but in a cozy way, somehow).
I'd be remiss to not include a little note about my favorite scene, possibly in the entire series, which was Fox and Dash having a heart-to-heart. It was just really lovely found family material, and let us get a little peek into Fox's world.
And lastly, was the most DELIGHTFUL surprise!
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