Evil All Along

The Last Picks #8

by Gregory Ashe

They say love makes fools of us all. It certainly makes idiots out of some of us.

It’s Dash’s second Halloween in Hastings Rock, and this year, he’s determined to have a normal spooky season—he’s going to hang out with his friends, hand out lots of candy, and seize every available opportunity for snuggles with a certain deputy.

Fate, though, has other things in store.

When Dash’s friend Keme is arrested for murder, Dash assumes it’s a misunderstanding—after all, this is Keme we’re talking about. But it turns out, not everyone in Hastings Rock trusts Keme. Or likes him. In fact, plenty of people are downright afraid of him, and for them, the arrest confirms what they’ve always that Keme is a seriously bad apple. And when Keme’s clothes turn up not far from the scene of the crime, covered in the victim’s blood, it’s the final piece of proof for the court of public opinion.

It'll be up to Dash to prove Keme’s innocence.

But the real killer might have something to say about that.

Genres: Mystery, M M Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Contemporary, Romance, Cozy

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2025

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook out now! https://www.audible.com/pd/Evil-All-A...

Happy release day 🥳 Keme’s origin story, read all about it!

Wowzer Bowser! I said something along the lines of this after Again with Feeling, but GA is proving to us once again that he’s truly hitting his stride with this series. Keme’s book blasted me up and over the Swiss Alps in this sensitive study of the human condition: the base need to be wanted, heard, and loved; what it means to communicate in spite of our fears and insecurities; and the meaning of safety and security to a child who could ill-afford to hope for such things.

In Evil All Along, GA plays the cozy genre like a fiddle. He stretches its nebulous lines and definitions to make it his own. And he does so in a manner that has these stories standing amongst his others in their own right.

While the tempered explicitness of a cozy may leave some readers lamenting for more, what’s become apparent through these texts is they serve as examples of less is more. Leaving implications up to the reader’s imagination, letting them parse through snapshot actions, this all can distill a far more chilling undercurrent to interactions than in-your-face graphic imagery. Haunting in their genius on-page construction, they make a person wonder what exactly GA was doing at the time, what was going through his mind, in hopes that maybe we could somehow recreate the magic by replicating conditions like a recipe.

Another cozy facet that I’ve found particularly enticing is the realism. There’s a degree of mental separation I can maintain from the tangible trials of most of the Hazardverse (for which, I am most grateful), but so many of the struggles depicted here lie not too far from my own front door. It lends itself to a relatability that deepens my own connection to characters’ growth arcs, particularly Dash’s. I’ve never had so many of my own thoughts echoed in an inner dialogue to this extent before (besides his love for sweets and their endless consumption, as I’m a savory gal myself *hides before Dash can shun me*). I see partial and complete reflections of myself from so many angles, it’s almost uncanny.

With limited wiggle room and an already wide range of emotional displays from our primary moving parts alone, the mystery is forced to use its cast of suspects sparingly. And yet, I’m massively impressed by how it still manages to intrigue and take you on a ride alongside the interplay of Keme’s relationships, and that of Bobby and Dash. So many plot threads are accounted for, and they’re woven seamlessly together into a single, grand tapestry made near indestructible by a coating of high-grade emotional glue harkening back to classic GA.

Keme and Dash, brothers forever :,)

Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)

——prerelease thoughts——

Book 8 is officially marked down for April 7, 2025!

Can finally see the cover in HD! I cannot tell you how excited I am for this, even though I am fully aware Keme's book may very well be the end of me. Oh, Dash's feral wolf-child...🤧🥹

In the meantime, you might've already seen Gregory Ashe's newsletter today, but tune into the Ashochists Anonymous Discord server starting this Thursday, Dec 26 to Jan 1 for six exclusive After Advent short stories (The Last Picks, DuPage, Holloway Holmes, Luka Meer, The First Quarto, and Hazard and Somerset) and an AMA (ask me anything) event on the 29th!

Didn’t know there was a Discord server? Find links to all GA’s socials and community groups (Facebook & Discord) here: https://gregoryashe.carrd.co/

[Kathleen in Oslo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I've kind of backed myself into a corner, ratings-wise, with these cozies because this is, objectively, one of the stronger installments, but at this point I'm so not invested in them that I can't be fussed to write much or give top scores. The takeaway being that, if you're a cozy fan, this is a good one -- the mysterious Keme having his (tragic) day in the spotlight -- but if, like me, you're cozied out, this is just more of the same: too much meta commentary, too many parenthetical asides, too much expletive-free folkiness, too many "are they quirky or just annoying?" characters. Dash and Bobby have matured a lot over this series, but GA could have easily trimmed 3-4 books out of the lineup at no cost to the characters or storytelling; indeed, they probably would have benefited. Which kind of tells you all you need to know. And there's still --sob -- 4 more to go.

My kingdom for Jem and Tean's sequel soon!!!!

I got an ARC from the author, disclaimer disclaimer.

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3 stars ✰

“I’m not leaving.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Neither am I, Dash, I've made it this far and it'd be a waste to stop now, much like how far you've come since your arrival at Hastings Rock. It is a shame that cozy noir and I may never get along, despite how its prevalent theme is something that would resonate with me - to explore what it meant to be just in a world where we all inherited the trauma of living in a broken world., trying to defy whether or not it is in our nurture or nature to be Evil All Along. I suppose there's just a bit too much revolving around said exploration that makes it a hard sell for me. 🥺

“You're so kind. You’re so full of love for the people you care about. And I know it’s scary sometimes.”

“I don’t want to be full of love. I want to be full of tacos.”



‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Dash may never be my childhood hero Encyclopedia Brown and that's fine - we can't all be one of the greats. And it's not his fault, honestly; like, his intentions are pure and true, and his personality isn't that much of an issue either, it's just that the constant need of this too much interruption with his unnecessary rambles prevails throughout - that it becomes exhausting to read. 😩 It shouldn't be. Especially when tongue-in-cheek occurs that said narrator points out that he knows at least when he has to stay quiet.

And it's been eight books by now so if I'm still finding it troubling, then, that's on me.

But, is it the writing or the character that is a struggle - I'm still struggling to point the finger to the real problem.

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I wish we could have a moratorium on labeling a new character as White; is there a significance to it? I mean, last I checked Keme was possibly half Native American, but I didn't see that mentioned anywhere whatsoever?? 😕 There has to be a different way to describe characters, but I guess it is a writing choice and just my own personal annoyance. Whenever we get a foothold into serious talk, there is this chaotic interruption of cutesy comments, like meanie, or fudge, when it's not really fudge... Eight books in, I think, we get it. There's no cussing or cursing, but there can be violence and murder. Sure, why not? 🙃

“For some people, it’s easier to put up walls than to keep being hurt. And the walls look different for different people.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Dash taking more of an initiative in a lot of aspects was refreshing. It still stings that we see him more in action and danger than his boyfriend - who is actually the Deputy. Honestly, it would be nice to see Bobby do some sleuthing next time, y'know, putting his brains and skills to use. 😒 After all, he is the one with the badge; in case that was something forgotten. It feels like a recurring joke that he really doesn't do much aside from furthering his relationship with Dash - which, more on that later, but it is good thoughts! I just feel like his potential is being wasted on being on the sidelines of just the voice of reason and comfort. Even if he's always trying to keep Dash away from danger, rather than preventing it, why not work with him? I mean, it's better than the alternative which we got here; I don't know, it just feels a bit silly now that I think about it. 🤷🏻‍♀️

“So, I did the only thing I could think of: I tried to meet him halfway.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ The development of their relationship, though - I cheered and teared up a bit. Chapter 10 was a crowning achievement - 'sometimes, when you love somebody, you know.' Dash being more expressive, the two of them just communicated, opening up, being vulnerable and trusting - seeing and acknowledging what works and what's not - the gestures and moments that were so reassuring, so comforting... so in control, so certain of how committed they both are in trying. 🥹🤌🏻 It was beautiful and lovely; I'm not too fond of the fade to black, but it is a cozy noir, so I can respect it; but there's so much heat to their chemistry that it's a SHAME we don't get more of the two of them being hands-on with each other!

“Everybody feels that way sometimes. That’s why we have friends. People who love us. Who will help us until we can be brave again.”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Ah, Keme - 'my feral wolf-child. My beautiful, brave, tremendously stupid feral wolf-child.'. It hurt how he lashed out at Dash, but we do tend to hurt even more the ones that we care for most. 🫂 I didn't fault Dash for his own palpable hurt at a certain moment, but how he handled that pain with a mature sense was certainly admirable. Dash's resolve in how he saved Keme - he was his big brother, whether he liked it or not. Supportive and loving and protective and caring - undaunted by Keme's hurtful spite, because of how much he was hurting. That scene when the tide shifted between the two- iykyk - was so poetic and just - I felt it in my heart. Keme, I just wanted to hug you - you were so brave, so vulnerable, so raw with emotion and guilt and heartache, but still so quiet and strong in your courage and resolve. ❤️‍🩹

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I am conflicted on my thoughts on what happened with Millie. I know they're bffs, and I actually went back and re-read the part in book 1 when their friendship was first introduced, but honestly, I'm having a little difficulty accepting the shift in their relationship. I know I shouldn't be that bothered, but maybe because so much of their interaction was off-screen, I don't have any closure on it. Which is silly, since the heartache and heartbreak that ensued belongs to Keme alone, so what concern is that of me? *sigh* Maybe the next book will help put things in a clearer light for me. 😔

[Smutty Sully · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many I love yous.
So many tears.

When I'm out of this review backlog hellhole, I'll come back and review it.

[ancientreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, isn't this interesting! As of two books ago -- Again with Feeling, when Dash and (Deputy) Bobby finally got their shit together -- the Last Picks series took a leap forward in characterization and emotional complexity; "Evil All Along" keeps going down that road. I want to say that these books are starting to feel less like my cliched idea of cozy mysteries and more like Gregory Ashe novels: emotionally raw stories in which a character's history of grief and pain leads them to behave destructively toward themselves and the people they love.

"Evil All Along" is Keme's book. We've had hints, & more than hints, all along of a traumatic past; when Keme's accused of murder, Dash finds out a lot more about how bad things have been for him and how his adolescent behavior has enacted his pain. Keme has a troubling history of vandalism and fighting, not to mention his silences and disappearances, that makes it easy for many people to see him as a killer. Toward the end there's a scene of physical violence and emotional intimacy that could have come straight out of the Borealis or Hazard and Somerset series, as someone teeters on the edge of catastrophe and is pulled back at the last possible instant by stubborn, even self-sacrificial love. If, like me, you're a longtime reader of GA's, you'll recognize this as one of his recurring themes.

I'm pleased to report that Dash and Bobby have not forgotten how to talk to each other, by the way. I was both touched and amused by a couple of the conversations in which they address conflict/misunderstanding, because on the one hand they read like Couples Therapy 101, and on the other hand they also sound exactly like conversations of the same kind that I've had, in style if not in substance. I put a pin in them for further consideration of why some writers can pull off dialogue like this when most can't; maybe it has something to do with the characters' own seeming awareness of using a formal or artificial structure to communicate? Or it's possible, of course, that I cut GA slack with this kind of thing because his way of writing relationships hooks me, full stop.

As in almost every other book in the Last Picks series, the identity of the murderer is obvious pretty early on, and as with almost every other book in the series I didn't care. Keme, his loneliness and despair, and his relationships with Dash and the other Last Picks were all that mattered.

Thanks to GA for the ARC; this is my honest and hopelessly besotted opinion.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Since Dash and Bobby finally got together in Again with Feeling , the novels in The Last Picks series have started to feel more like ‘regular’ Gregory Ashe books in that the focus has been more on character exploration and emotional complexity than on the mystery plotlines, which seem – to me at least – to have become more incidental and more like vehicles for that exploration.

Evil All Along is Keme’s book, and in it we learn more about the troubled and traumatic past that’s been strongly hinted at in the other books in the series. Dash knows, from what he’s learned from Indira, Fox, Millie and Bobby, that Keme has had a tough time of it; and from his own experience, knows that beneath his prickly and unpredictable exterior, Keme is protective and loyal. It took two books before Keme would even speak to Dash – but since then they’ve somehow become important to one another. To Dash, Keme is “my brave, tremendously stupid feral wolf-child. Who was also, if you asked anybody else, apparently my big brother.” But here, readers gain another perspective; to the folk of Hastings Rock, Keme is a strange, closed-off, rude kid with a temper and a history of fights. “He doesn’t act like a normal kid, so people don’t know what to make of him. And people are afraid of things they don’t understand.”  So when he becomes the main suspect in the murder of the owner of the trailer park where his mother lives, there are too many people who are all too ready to believe him capable of such a thing.

Of course, Dash & Co. know Keme is innocent and set about proving it – but Keme’s reaction to their being in his corner is not what Dash expected. It doesn’t help that Millie – on whom Keme has had a massive crush for some time – has started dating a guy who is a total dick, but instead of leaning on his friends, Keme does the opposite and reacts by pushing everyone away, his lived experience of having nobody believe in him making it hard for him to accept there are people in his life who genuinely love him and want to help him. This leaves Dash reeling; he’s experienced a lot of personal growth since we first met him and is trying hard not to retreat to his comfort zone when faced with difficult interpersonal issues. He’s learning to communicate better and trying to be a better friend (and boyfriend) and not shy away from the tricky emotional stuff, but showing Keme he cares, showing him Dash is there for him -doesn't work with Keme, and Dash has to dig really deep to work out how to reach him.

And speaking of communication, Dash and Bobby are also continuing to learn about each other and how to express themselves better; Bobby has promised to try to open up more, to say how he’s feeling rather than bottling things up, and even though his attempts to do that aren’t always completely successful (the scene where he’s trying to compliment Dash is a bit cringey – but I guess it’s supposed to be?), he’s a fast learner when it comes to Dash and his insecurities. Dash, too, has work to do in learning how to battle his low self-esteem and accept praise and loving words. Their growing intimacy and willingness to be vulnerable with each other is a joy to read.

One of the author’s many strengths is his ability to build and develop character, their flaws and insecurities making them feel more real while also offering readers a laser-sharp insight into their often messy and complex emotional lives. Even when, as in this series, he’s writing from the perspective of a single protagonist, his ability to convey information about the other characters based on what that protagonist sees – and sometimes doesn’t understand, while the reader does – is superlative. But I can’t say I’m enamoured of the whole ‘cosy’ thing. I can completely understand why the author might want to switch lanes for a bit – he's spent several years putting Hazard, Somers, Theo, Auggie, Jem, Tean, North and Shaw through the wringer and then some, so perhaps a change of pace is a good thing. But cosies will never be my genre of choice; I got about halfway through Josh Lanyon’s Secrets and Scrabble series before I lost interest, so getting to book eight of The Last Picks is something of an achievement! And I expect I’ll stay for the rest, seeing as there are only four more to go (I think it’s twelve books in total?), and because we’re now getting more of the angsty intensity that is one of the things I most enjoy about GA’s work.

Evil All Along is one of the strongest entries in the series, although I do have a few nit-picks. Firstly, I’m a bit frustrated that Bobby gets to do so little sleuthing; he’s the one with the badge and the experience, yet all he seems to do is act as the voice of reason and provide comfort from the sidelines. The meta about mystery writing – which I generally enjoy - is perhaps a little overdone here, and although I was pleased to get some real information about Keme and his history after all the hints, I’d expected a more detailed backstory. As for Keme and Millie? Yeah, I’m not sure that’s going to last but eh... they’re not the couple I’m invested in.

The mystery in this one is, as always, well put-together, but as with most of the other books in the series, that’s not where my interest lies; I’m here for the humour, the warmth and the relationships, and Mr. Ashe certainly delivers all of those things in spades. Recommended.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m feeling conflicted over how to rate this.

On the one hand, it’s focused on Keme, my favorite of the Last Picks crew, which made it my most anticipated installment, and it mostly satisified.

It’s probably the most successful book in the series in terms of hitting the right balance of relationship to mystery aspects since the first book.

I’ve given 5 stars to earlier books in this series which I don’t think were as good as this.

But…

My criteria for the 5th star is feeling like I’d like to read it again someday, and honestly, I’m feeling mostly “eh”. But I don’t think that’s specifically about this book. It’s more the cumulative effect of this series continual failure to deliver either relationship progress or an actual mystery. No prior book has managed to deliver both, and the fact that this one has finally managed to balance them has a lot to do with the fact the relationship under focus here is not the romantic one.

I was delighted with what this series promised in the beginning, and now I am disappointed and disillusioned to the point I may simply drop it. It was largely anticipation of this book that kept invested enough to pick up anything after book 4.

As for issues with this book specifically I’ll stick those under a spoiler tag:



While I’m mostly satisfied with how this book dealt with Keme, it did not give me the kind of depth on his history I would have liked.

This is compounded by the fact Keme’s reactions to Dash (and the gendered reactions to the others) post-arrest give a very strong sexual abuse survivor vibe. But I guess that’s not the case.

The weird sexy-talk thing we get between Dash and Bobby felt extremely unnatural. Like, I kind of get the point re Dash’s body image issues, but Bobby’s dialog in the initial part felt weird, and the whole thing was just too “therapy” flavored for me.

Also: I am not someone who likes a lot of description in my fiction, but I am very confused about everyone’s racial makeup. Like early on in the series I somehow read Bobby and Keme as Native American, only to much later in the series get the news that Bobby is Asian, (I can't recall if a specific ancestry was specified) and here we get Keme’s mother as white, and while we don’t get anything about his father I’m now like, huh? Did I make that up? Is Keme white?

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

Evil All Along is the 8th book in Gregory Ashe’s Last Picks series. I was really excited when I saw this would be a book focused on Keme, as I find him such a fascinating character. He also has really interesting relationships with both Dash and Bobby, so I knew there would be a lot to explore here and Ashe doesn’t disappoint with this one.

I really loved this latest installment and think Ashe does a great job featuring Keme, as well as Keme and Dash’s relationship. Every time Ashe releases another book in this series, I get excited, as they are so much fun and I really enjoy watching these character grow and develop deeper bonds. This story was a great addition, with some lovely relationship dynamics across the cast.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[frannilys · Rating 3 out of 5]

At this point I can only blame myself for keep reading this series.

Because it’s always the same. Dash making stupid decisions over and over again, his friends being mean to him (and even assaulting him) without getting called out once and Bobby without a personality besides being the boyfriend.

And I think the problem is, all the good stuff that’s supposedly happening with the friend group is always just told, while the bad stuff is shown.

[StayCalm81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, this one is the best so far. I thought Again With Feeling would be my favorite, but this one surprised me, it’s even better, very emotional. GA has a way of writing feelings and emotions that always leaves me speechless. His style is so unique, I can only describe it as a series of little slow burns. There’s always this vulnerability, these flaws in his characters, that make them feel incredibly human. With each book, we slowly work through those layers, watching everything unfold like a slow healing process and we really get to see how the characters grow.


Keme and Dash’s scenes felt like a gut punch, I ached for Keme, for the life he deserved but was taken from him, for all the people who failed him. I’m so grateful he has the Last Picks now, and especially Dash. We know they love each other, but because we experience everything through Dash’s doubt-filled mind, after the climax, my heart almost exploded with love for this boy, for the bond he shares with Dash, and for the confirmation of their connection, love and trust. It truly warmed my heart. I love their interactions, the way they’re just kids together, with their games and (sometimes very violent) pranks. (Also, Bobby has the patience of a saint, seriously! 😅)


“My feral wolf-child. My beautiful, brave, tremendously stupid feral wolf-child. Who was also, if you asked anybody else, apparently my big brother”


“It’s okay,” I said. “No more apologizing, got it? We’re friends; friends don’t get hung up on the little stuff.”
He shook his head.
“You’re still my friend,” I said. “Am I still yours?”
It felt like a long time before he whispered—pleaded, really—“Dash.”
“And I love you.”
Honestly, the best part was I could actually see his adolescent boy horror rising at the prospect of feelings. He made himself smaller in the booth. His shoulders came up. He pressed his hands more tightly against his eyes. But you’ve got to give it to Keme: he doesn’t back down. Finally, he managed to say in a breathless rush, “I love you too.”
I let him dangle for about five seconds. Then I said, “That was literally the best thing of my life. I’m going to remind you, like, ten times a day that you told me you loved me. God, I wish I’d gotten it on camera.”


“I wish a lot of things had been different about your life, Keme. Because I love you, and because I can’t imagine anyone not loving you, and wanting to take care of you, and making sure you had the best life they could give you. And I know nothing I say can change the past, or make up for it, or give you what you should have had. But I do want you to know that you have a family now. And we love you.” 😭🥹


Then we had Dash and Bobby’s relationship.
There’s a particular scene between them, where the vulnerability and intimacy almost floored me. It was so beautiful and emotional. How Bobby learns to deal with Dash insecurities 🥰 heartwarming.


“Do you feel how warm your hands are on mine?
And I could. I could feel their heat, trapped between Bobby’s hands and his chest. And it may sound silly, but there was something so intimate about that recognition, about the fact that we both felt it, and that he had put it into words.
“I like how the hair on your legs scratches against mine,” Bobby said, and he gave a little wiggle so we could both feel it again. An unexpectedly wicked smile touched his mouth. “And I like the way your breath catches when I do something you like.”
The tears fell before I could stop them. Because he had done this for me. He had cared enough to learn how to do this for me. ” 🥰


The little side notes of what’s running through Dash’s overthinker mind is just perfection 👌 so funny at times.

“Then I caught a whiff of something like warmed-up tuna casserole. Nobody asked me, but in my book, microwaving fish in a shared office was a bold move.”

Keme and Millie 🥹❤️ (what I wouldn’t give to read that particular conversation)

Gregory Ashe has a writing style that clicks so perfectly with me. The way he makes us wait for the good stuff making it extra special, the way he leaves little crumbs to keep us hooked, I wasn’t even a mystery fan but it has became my favorite genre when paired with angsty relationships. It’s an acquired taste because initially it’s just frustrating, but now I want every relationship to be written like Gregory does it. The way he knows his characters and stay true to their personalities and voices is outstanding.


Love them ❤️ Next is Millie’s book! It’s going to be LOUD

[Melissa]

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

So, I'm sad to say I didn't like this one as much as the others. It mostly stems from how Keme acted, and how he treated Dash. Keme was mean, and violent to Dash, and that was really off-putting. In previous books Keme is rude, but at the same time in a teenagery sweet way. He'd be rude but you knew he secretly adored everybody.

With Evil All Along, there is no evidence Keme is kidding, or pretending. He's just outright mean. Why? Well, being accused of murder will piss anyone off, that's for sure. But there was something else and I have no idea what. I hope I missed that explanation because otherwise, there is no explanation, and that's just wrong.

Aside from Keme, Millie getting a boyfriend certainly put damper on the festivities. I would have been SO happy if Millie had somehow found a partner who was just as exuberant and loud as she is. What a hoot that would have been. Instead the guys kind of a jerk.

Lastly, I have no idea how Dash solved the murder. Usually the clues all make sense. I somehow missed this too, how the clues all led to the killer.

In the end, this was just okay. I'm giving it 3 stars because I don't want to give it 2 which is how GR rates "just ok." It's better than 2 stars, though honestly, it doesn't quite make it to 3 for me either.

I am really looking forward to the next one though because it sounds super fun!

The narration was good as always. I give 4 stars for the narration. As a whole, the series is AMAMZING and I highly recommend.

[Bryoney McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous installment of the Last Picks series and one of the stronger books in the series. Readers of GA will know that the man loves his angst and Evill All Along finds him cramming as much angst in as a cozy can handle. And I loved every. single. page.

Evil All Along focuses on Keme, Dash’s best friend/ foster son/big brother/seventh-grade bully (this is Dash’s description, btw). There have been many hints about Keme’s unhappy childhood and home life, but in this book, we get the details. And since it’s a GA book, we get them in an incredibly painful way.

Because there’s been a murder. And Keme is a suspect.

This book had some lovely explorations of connection, relationship, vulnerability, and the lasting impact of childhood neglect. There are some beautiful scenes between different characters exploring how hard it can be to truly trust in someone when we’ve been hurt before.

Dash and Bobby not only don’t throw wrenches into their relationship, but they show growth, both individually and as a couple. And Bobby’s protective streak is on hyperdrive in this one, so if you love yourself some growly Bobby, you’ll be very happy.

My only real complaint about this installment was I thought the metacommentary on mysteries didn’t work as well as it has in the previous books. While I’ve largely found it quite charming in the Last Picks books, in this one it felt a bit clunky and forced. It may reflect my investment in the characters and impatience to get back to them, but I found myself skimming those sections.

Regardless, I really enjoyed this book. The cozy-level of angst was so delicious, I may have to go re-read some of GA’s other books now, so I can really bask in the real angst he delivers outside of the cozy genre.

I received an ARC from the author.

[Paula (lovebookscl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro me tenía con mis emociones esparcidas por todos lados, ¿lloré? sí. Porque este es el libro trata de la relación padre-hijo-hermanos-mejores amigos de Dash y Keme. Y obviamente con una historia de vida tan difícil como la de Keme y Dash siendo Dash, esto tenía que ser una bomba emocional.

Luego de tantos libros (todos amados) este se siente como el resultado de un puzzle que Gregory Ashe lleva armando pieza por pieza desde el libro 1, y es: la importancia de la familia encontrada, el amor en sus muchas formas, la valentía de ser vulnerable, la salud mental, y el largo, confuso y para nada recto camino de sanar heridas de todo tipo.

De todo el cozy mystery que he leído, esta es una serie que tiene elementos que no había visto en el género. Y sigo impresionada que con poquitas páginas en cada libro, se ha logrado construir un elenco de personajes complejos, que han crecido tanto y que reflejan un tremendo talento para escribir de una forma muy humana. La red de relaciones entre Dash y los secundarios es uno de los puntos que más amo de esta saga.

Puede que sean libros cozy pero hay mensajes muy potentes en esta serie y este libro demuestra exactamente lo que se puede obtener construyendo de forma lenta, pero sólida una historia con matices, diversidad y temas complejos. La paciencia y ser verdadero a tu mensaje tiene recompensa.

Y por todo eso y más (no quiero olvidar mencionar el espectacular humor de Dash y el hermoso romance entre él y Bobby), The Last Picks se ha quedado como mi serie favorita de cozy mystery. Ya quiero saber que traerá el libro 9.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I wasn't going to continue reading this series. But I read a compelling review. And that reviewer was right, this one is akin to the first novel in that there's actual progress amongst all the murder.

One of the things Ashe does very well is make Dash's less coherent moments feel visceral, like I'm right there in it with him. Another is the occasional lyrical description. The settings are always masterful. Another is showing the complexity of any given human, and how that multiplies when other humans are involved, with their different sets of complexities.

Ashe's humor in these books doesn't often work for me. This is a 'me' thing; a lot of written humor doesn't work for me. So, if I'm going to enjoy these, I need an interesting puzzle, and some relationship progress, and this one delivered.

[ML · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery AND the side stories were very good in this installment. Keme is accused of murder. Dash is out to prove his innocence. Chaos ensues.

We meet Keme’s mother for the first time. Yikes. 🫣
Millie gets a really really bad boyfriend. Louis.. what a dick! Icky.

As the mystery unfolds, Bobby and Dash get closer. The way Bobby is with Dash is SO intimate and life affirming.
Love these two!

Keme has to come to terms with several life changing events. Everything works out in the end. It even made ME teary 🥺🥺🥺

On to the next… my binge is going too quick I’m going to be caught up really soon 😬😬😬

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

My HEART in this one took a beating 😭😭

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I have liked the last three Last Picks book much more than the first 5, bc there has been actual character & relationship development, & this one was no different. Plus I love Keme, & getting a little more on his background (& all the ways his biological family has let him down- protect him at all costs) was good. However, I proceed to skim all the cozy nonsense, & I called the murderer almost from their first appearance. I am also pleased that neither Dash nor Bobby have torpedoed their relationship (please let this continue). That there are still 4 more before we get anything like the usual GA? SIGH.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was curious about Keme’s back story from the beginning. And Greg delivered, including having the reader bear witness to the dynamics in which Keme’s anger was forged.

I was surprised by aspects of violence, though, and just a bit concerned about Dash confusing stepping out of his comfort zone with accepting something awfully close to abuse.

And the BEST TWIST EVER is how this sets things up PERFECTLY to read Millie’s INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL BACK STORY!

Bring it on!

[Cyndi (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Character growth everywhere!!!! I think this is my new favorite of the series so far.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

•some spoilers•

Another murder in Hemlock Harbor, another opportunity for Dash to procrastinate writing by playing amateur sleuth. Things get prickly when Keme becomes a person of interest in this latest case but if there's one thing The Last Picks are good at, it's looking after their own.

Besides the book when Dash and Bobby get together, I think this is my favorite. Keme is struggling with abandonment issues while dealing with being a suspect in this case, and Dash has to use all his character building from the last year to be the person that Keme can depend on no matter what. After all Keme is still just a kid, and Dash and The Last Picks are there to remind him he has people in his corner. Keme has always been a little standoffish when it comes to his feelings and expresses his love through (I assume) damaged teenage boy's ways. With everything happening, he's forced to open up, giving Dash a chance to become more vulnerable as he becomes a shoulder for Keme to lean on. They had some really endearing moments, and I loved seeing this other side of their playful brother/foster dad/feral wolf/mentor relationship. I also can't stop laughing whenever anyone mentions Keme is the older brother, because it's so true.

There are some adorable Bobby and Dash moments too. Even though the focus was on Keme, I feel like this explored more of their relationship and showed how deeply they care for one another. They just get each other, trying their hardest to be brave and vulnerable even when it's difficult. They both put a lot of effort into making sure the other is seen and heard, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of shenanigans. Dash and Bobby just have such a lovely relationship and I'm glad we got to see more of it!

The case was pretty interesting because of how much it involved Keme and the whole gang. When that part was resolved though it did fade a bit into the background. I randomly was able to guess who the suspect was pretty early on, but I didn't really know how exactly everything went down. Now, we just need Dash to write his own mystery!

This was so good because we get to see a lot more of the Last Picks! I've kind of missed them in the last few stories and here we finally see how deep their love for one another goes. Vulnerability was the name of the game in this book, and there were so many great heartwarming moments. Once again, I love this crazy murder town. It really is the perfect setting. Looking forward to more shenanigans from Dash, Bobby, and all of The Last Picks.

Read if you like:
• cozy mystery
• found family
• friends to lovers

•••••••••••••••••••••

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my favorite of the series so far! Definitely heavier/angstier in tone than the previous books in the series, and I guess some may not consider this "cozy," but I personally like that Greg stretches the boundaries of what a genre should mean and just writes what he feels is right for the characters and story.

This book dives into Keme's background, and I especially love his and Dash's interactions in this one (that one scene - you know the one - ruined me). I feel really deeply for both of them - Keme not knowing how to deal with his feelings or how to let down his walls, and Dash desperately wanting to help and not knowing how (relatable). As always with this series, the found family vibes are so strong and wonderful. The mystery itself was really well-crafted, too.

My only issue is a personal one, which is I don't really like the idea of Keme and Millie actually being together. I'm more interested in how Keme would deal with rejection if Millie dated someone else who WASN'T a complete asshole (he'd probably react the same way, in all honesty, but I'd be interested in seeing how that would change as he got older). But I'm not writing the idea off entirely yet - Greg has a history of morphing my least favorite character into my favorite character, so we will see where that particular plot point goes!

[B.H. Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! This was by far my favorite book in the series so far. Not just because I have a soft spot for Keme, but it was the quintessential Gregory Ashe book. Slow building tension all around and within the relationship with Dash and Bobby. Unpredictable turns in the mystery. Outstanding character development.

It's honestly in my top 5 GA reads of all time.

When Keme is accused of murder, Dash jumps into action to help save the little brother be never knew he needed. But Keme isn't making things easy, even when released from custody, to win back over. It involves Dash having to give to get when it comes to vulnerability which we know makes him break out in hives. And at the same time, he's navigating how to not just communicate but accept Bobby's way of communicating. It's a struggle to find middle ground in love languages and the way they both adjust on the fly is so beautiful!

Did I mention Dash is also still investigating that murder.... When another wrong canidate is arrested, Dash has to look in the unexpected places to find the real killer without getting killed himself. Piece of cake compared too talking to teenagers, right?

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too shallow Keme,
but sexed up Dash-n-Bobby.
Myst'ry? What myst'ry?

[Laura Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that will take all the broken parts of your inner child and mend it, then this is the one.

Evil All Along is, from start to finish, a cathartically satisfying read. With equal parts mystery and romance, the eighth book in The Last Picks series is a testament and triumph to both cosy mysteries and indie novels everywhere.

Surprisingly (and tastefully) spicy, soulfully bittersweet, and yet still so beautifully cathartic, Evil All Along is an involving read from start to finish.

[NikNak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc because it didn’t save :(

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

So far in this cozy mystery series, we have done a lot of delving into Dash and the people that surround him. His relationship with his parents was a focus of one book, his ex-boyfriend showed up in town to give us a look into why they were exes., and we have consistently read about his growing feelings for Bobby and the beginning of their relationship. In this book we finally get to learn more about the enigmatic young man who (mostly) resides in Hemlock House with Dash, Bobby, and the former cook Indira.

From the beginning of the series, the impression that I got of Keme is that he was kind of wild, and he was lacking a stable homelife. Before Dash moved to town, Indira tried to mother him when he let her, and provided him with borrowed shelter. We see a little more of Keme's personality in each book. He loves playing video games with Dash and has a secret crush on one of the other last picks, Millie. He's over 18 but is most often made to seem like a kid still. Though he's fiercely protective of Dash and the other "last picks," he also roughhouses with Dash in ways that still make him seem slightly feral.

When Keme is suspected of murder in this book, the stability that he's managed to find is at risk and Keme's anger and fear take over and we see him in a new light. Not for one moment does Dash believe that Keme is guilty and when he tries to talk to Keme and tell him that, he finds himself rejected and pushed away. I could really feel Dash's frustration in this book. He doesn't want to give up on Keme but Keme does his literal best to push Dash away. At times, Dash is at a loss and I was with him in wanting to walk away. I am not a big proponent of walking into a brick wall over and over, especially when it lands you with a concussion. However, with prodding from Indira, Dash is a stronger person than I would be or Bobby would like him to be. It’s heartwarming when Dash is able to break through.

For once in this series, I think I actually had a pretty good finger on who might have dunnit. The mystery is solved by Dash and Bobby, but not without some injury to both of them. Keme comes out of this story a much stronger person with even more confidence in his place within Hemlock House and the Last Picks. As always, I love all the supporting characters - minus the killer, Keme's parents, and Millie's new boyfriend. You must read or listen to this book to check out that debacle! Honestly, it makes me appreciate the Last Picks even more who never try to tamp down her sometimes over-the-top personality.

Last but not least, I must mention the narration. I have really come to enjoy how Andrew Gibson brings these characters to life. I am eager to start the next book and recommend the series whole-heartedly.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder, Mayhem and so Much Emotion

Oh my heart 💔 This book was so emotional it brought tears to my eyes more than once. Kemi is a very complicated teenager. He is part of Dash’s last picks friends as Indira has looked out for him for a few years, but nobody knew Kemi’s background. They all knew that he had a difficult life but don’t know the details. In this book we finally learn just how difficult, how Kemi has brought himself up, how he loves his mom but she could never cope with life and always had to have a man in her life, usually not good ones and certainly not ones who would have wanted Kemi around. This gives Dash more of an understanding of Kemi, his moods, his silence and the old and tatty clothes he wears. Dash had found evidence that Kemi had secretly moved himself into the attic in Hemlock House and he was pleased he would be warm and safe so kept the secret.

Dash, Bobby and the rest of the last picks were devastated when they learned Kemi had been arrested for murder, yes he has a temper but murder, Dash didn’t believe it even though all the evidence pointed to Kemi and so he did what he does best and started sleuthing to clear his name.

Another murder and two attempted murders, on Dash, lots of red herrings and twists and turns, this book was very entertaining but for me the best parts were definitely the heart wrenching moments between Dash and Kemi when they opened up and bared their souls to each other. This was all about discovery, friendship and taking risks and this proved cathartic for Kemi and I sobbed with him.

I really enjoyed this book, fantastic writing and I compliment Gregory on the wonderful scenes between Dash and Kemi. I didn’t guess the murderer until just before Dash put two and two together and with the now changed dynamic between the last picks I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really pleased that the Dash/Keme relationship is further explored in this latest instalment of the series.
I was never massively keen how Keme often treats Dash, (even though I liked him!), finding him hard to understand at times. Although we get the strong sense that Keme likes Dash, the ‘not talking’, harsh jokes etc sometimes made it difficult for me to root for Keme, mainly because up to now we didn’t really know much about him … apart from having massive issues.

But then Dash acknowledges himself that Keme is an odd mixture “who was kind of his brother and kind of his foster son and kind of his seventh grade bully”. With Dash not fully adulting in some areas (still no income? How the heck does he pay the utility bills and afford the food shopping?), and Dash calling himself a 13 year-old in the body of an adult, it’s not exactly surprising that his relationship with Keme (who’s 18) is complex.

Complex, but full of love. And that’s exactly what comes to the fore here. And it’s wonderful how Dash shows Keme that he is loved and part of a family now. (even if the scene at the bus stop went too far for me). This is where Dash shines brightly … he is inherently kind and caring, and hates seeing people he loves hurting.

As for Dash and Bobby … 5 stars all the way!!! Fantastic relationship development, and some of the most swoon-worthy moments so far with these two! (Even if the 'dirty talk' was a bit odd. Glad they sorted that out.)

As for the mystery … I enjoyed it, but it didn’t rip me off my seat.
There is also maybe a little bit too much inner monologue going on ripping me out of the plot.
And last thing … there is a LOT of crying going on in this book, LOL.

Still enjoying the series. Looking forward to the next.

[Rochelle Selwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evil All Along is a standout installment in Gregory Ashe’s ongoing series, and easily my favorite so far. What makes this book particularly compelling is its deep dive into Keme—a character we’ve always seen in this series, but never truly understood until now. Ashe does an excellent job peeling back the layers of Keme’s past, giving us insight into the trauma and experiences that have shaped his behavior.

That said, Keme’s interactions with Dash were frustrating at times. His constant aggression and resistance toward Dash’s care and support made it difficult to fully sympathize with him, even with the added context. It created a tension that was both emotionally complex and occasionally hard to read.

On a more uplifting note, the evolution of Dash and Bobby’s relationship brought a lot of warmth to the story. I appreciated that even though they’ve reached a "happily ever after," Ashe continues to explore how love and partnership require ongoing work and growth. Their bond felt more grounded and real because of it.

As with the rest of this series, themes of friendship and found family are front and center, and they continue to be some of the strongest and most rewarding elements of the narrative.

I’d definitely recommend Evil All Along to anyone already invested in the series. It adds meaningful depth to the world and characters, and for me, it’s the most emotionally resonant entry so far.

Thank you as always to Gregory Ashe for an ARC of this book. Looking forward to the next one.

[Bella]

This is the best book so far, exploring Keme's life and getting to see Bobby and Dash strengthening their relationship. It's also the one with the most on-page domestic violence and sex--you can see Ashe is straining at the bounds of cosy. I enjoy that Dash explains the tropes that the book itself uses, I feel like that's an easy thing to do very badly but Ashe does it well.

EXCEPT
Dash finds someone who could be dying and--in a situation where every second counts--when Bobby doesn't answer his phone he snoops around before Bobby calls back and sends an ambulance.

Also, he keeps promising Bobby he'll be careful and then, for example, drives to a lonely, desolate, house outside of town to confront someone who may have tried to kill him.

Dash does not deserve Bobby. Bobby, whose 'moral compass also points true north' deserves someone who finds a person in distress and calls for assistance immediately. For me, that's not a morally grey area.

Also, how is Dash earning money? He says he has $8 in his bank account. He needs to either specify that he's writing content for someone else, or getting short stories published, or get a job. He could wait tables at The Otter Slide, or clean houses (I feel like that would be good for someone who likes snooping as much as Dash), or otherwise do what every struggling artist has to do and work a minimum wage job until the art is earning the money.

I really did enjoy this, it's just those nit-picking things that pulled me out of the story.