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The Last Picks #9
Always Murder
The only thing worse than murder is…no murder?
It’s Christmastime, and Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash) is looking forward to a quiet holiday season—no unexpected visitors, no relationship drama, and absolutely no murders.
But when his friend Millie asks for help, Dash says yes. Because that’s what friends do.
Millie’s brother, he learns, has been accused of stealing packages from his job as a delivery driver. Worse, he’s been fired. So, Millie’s request is clear her brother’s name—and, in the process, save Christmas.
No small task, it turns out, as Dash faces a suspiciously hostile warehouse manager, stumbles onto a family of porch pirates, and somehow gets roped into the Nought Family Nativity Pageant. And when Millie’s brother disappears, Dash fears the worst. In Dash’s (growing) experience, that can only mean one thing…
Because it’s always murder.
Isn’t it?
It’s Christmastime, and Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash) is looking forward to a quiet holiday season—no unexpected visitors, no relationship drama, and absolutely no murders.
But when his friend Millie asks for help, Dash says yes. Because that’s what friends do.
Millie’s brother, he learns, has been accused of stealing packages from his job as a delivery driver. Worse, he’s been fired. So, Millie’s request is clear her brother’s name—and, in the process, save Christmas.
No small task, it turns out, as Dash faces a suspiciously hostile warehouse manager, stumbles onto a family of porch pirates, and somehow gets roped into the Nought Family Nativity Pageant. And when Millie’s brother disappears, Dash fears the worst. In Dash’s (growing) experience, that can only mean one thing…
Because it’s always murder.
Isn’t it?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
49 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,786 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 10, 2025
Oh my gosh. Poor, poor Millie. Her family turned out even more harrowing than I could've imagined. Think Cinderella's wicked stepmother and stepsisters - belittling, dismissive, cruel. I WAS GETTING HIVES.
Their dysfunction aside (so. much. dysfunction.), I appreciated getting some much-needed context into Millie as a person, as well as a greater perspective on her relationship with Keme. The latter shift came about in the last book largely off-page, so this lent more to their plausibility as a whole, at least in this cozy context. I also really loved the ways Dash and Bobby demonstrated how far they've come as individuals and as a couple through the realism of their conflicts.
Now I'm one of the meager few who do read GA's books for the mystery. I'm honestly so impressed by his ability to come up with what seems like an endless stream of fresh plots without feeling repetitive. There were certainly some logistics that could've done with some fleshing out to make it more probable for the reader to suss out the answer before the Final Encounter, but this one carried quite the clever twist.
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
-------pre-release thoughts-------
MARK JUNE 2, 2025 ON YOUR CALENDARS! (Queen Millie so commands it!)
Can you believe this makes #9? As the second half of the series expands its focus on the other stalwart Last Picks members, I’ve been chomping at the bit for each silent drop to know which character happens to get the (unfortunate) chance to, uh, fall on the sword that comes nicely wrapped in the mystery genre - and lo and behold, it looks like the baton will be making its way to Millie next. I have a feeling learning more about her family’s dynamics (including the chaos from which she’s arisen) will endear her to me more…
Their dysfunction aside (so. much. dysfunction.), I appreciated getting some much-needed context into Millie as a person, as well as a greater perspective on her relationship with Keme. The latter shift came about in the last book largely off-page, so this lent more to their plausibility as a whole, at least in this cozy context. I also really loved the ways Dash and Bobby demonstrated how far they've come as individuals and as a couple through the realism of their conflicts.
Now I'm one of the meager few who do read GA's books for the mystery. I'm honestly so impressed by his ability to come up with what seems like an endless stream of fresh plots without feeling repetitive. There were certainly some logistics that could've done with some fleshing out to make it more probable for the reader to suss out the answer before the Final Encounter, but this one carried quite the clever twist.
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
-------pre-release thoughts-------
MARK JUNE 2, 2025 ON YOUR CALENDARS! (Queen Millie so commands it!)
Can you believe this makes #9? As the second half of the series expands its focus on the other stalwart Last Picks members, I’ve been chomping at the bit for each silent drop to know which character happens to get the (unfortunate) chance to, uh, fall on the sword that comes nicely wrapped in the mystery genre - and lo and behold, it looks like the baton will be making its way to Millie next. I have a feeling learning more about her family’s dynamics (including the chaos from which she’s arisen) will endear her to me more…
June 12, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
From a mystery-lover's standpoint, this certainly felt like the weakest portrayal of it. I mean, even if it's not Always Murder being the necessary means to which a crime can result in, I usually prefer when there are enough clues for us to figure out alongside the protagonist who the possible culprit would be. 😕 It's like looking for a needle in a haystack kind of mystery, and then presto all the stars align with a reveal that seems like it came out of a left field, but somehow still won't be, considering it's an investigative trope that I'm not particularly a fan of. 🙎🏻♀️
However, there were a few points that somewhat alleviated the reading experience, especially when they served as qualms of annoyance.
“It’s always murder with you.”
“How dare you!”
With only three books to go, it was admirable that dash's inner monologue along with his cutesy off-comments about the grittier comments were a bit toned down; or rather, they did not annoy me as much. Fox and Indira continued to exist in the shadows, which I guess, it's not really a matter of concern, if they're each going to get their own story. 🤷🏻♀️ Dash behaved in a more level-headed way, even when he was feeling a bit vulnerable and emotional - a confusingly happy sob tore its way out of me... Same, Dash, same. 🥺 It's a credit to GA for capturing those emotions so vividly that the entire chain of events that led to that touching final moment was one that even resonated with me.
It was worth it to get a glimpse into the background of Millie's own upbringing and family, to see why she is so hard-wired and excessively loud as she is. it made her almost human, compared to the usual inhuman vocal chords she exudes with each of her appearances. I liked how Dash was inadvertently offering relationship advice to her and Keme, despite facing his own breakthroughs when it came to the current dilemma he and Bobby were facing. 🫂 Millie's family's reluctance, well, ambivalence to acknowledging her relationship with Keme was believable - even though, I'm confused -- did they not just attend prom?? has he not graduated high school, so why is that an issue for her folks??? 🤨
It's strange how as the series progresses, the mystery aspect seems to be faltering, whereas the relationship focus seems to be improving. 😅
Wonders never cease.
“Because Bobby was a prize, and I didn’t want to scare him off by saying something insane like, You’re perfect, and I’m never going to let you go.”
Yeah, they were cute. Cute and real. Yes, the shadows of uncertainty and fear of not being enough or speaking your voice, and just everything about Dash and Bobby was genuine. ❤️🩹 The trust, the confessions, and the desire for more, but knowing when it is enough not to need it; the doubts of the future, but believing in the now of the love they have - the best boyfriend ever who gives Dash the assurance that he is enough. 🥹 It was sweet and heartwarming and it didn't bother me. The mystery aspect, sure, it annoyed me, but these two - it's been a year and a half of ups and downs, but for now, I hope they'll only go onward and upwards together.
It is still a shame that everything is all very much fwb, cuz, strangely enough that I've only read GA's works that are in the safe zone; it makes me curious how he would write the more explicit steamy scenes, if they can set this girl's heart a flutter. 💓
Well, not that curious, but still. ☺️
“We all wanted to read about the people we wished we could be. The people just a little better than who we really were. The people we were trying to become.”
From a mystery-lover's standpoint, this certainly felt like the weakest portrayal of it. I mean, even if it's not Always Murder being the necessary means to which a crime can result in, I usually prefer when there are enough clues for us to figure out alongside the protagonist who the possible culprit would be. 😕 It's like looking for a needle in a haystack kind of mystery, and then presto all the stars align with a reveal that seems like it came out of a left field, but somehow still won't be, considering it's an investigative trope that I'm not particularly a fan of. 🙎🏻♀️
However, there were a few points that somewhat alleviated the reading experience, especially when they served as qualms of annoyance.
“It’s always murder with you.”
“How dare you!”
With only three books to go, it was admirable that dash's inner monologue along with his cutesy off-comments about the grittier comments were a bit toned down; or rather, they did not annoy me as much. Fox and Indira continued to exist in the shadows, which I guess, it's not really a matter of concern, if they're each going to get their own story. 🤷🏻♀️ Dash behaved in a more level-headed way, even when he was feeling a bit vulnerable and emotional - a confusingly happy sob tore its way out of me... Same, Dash, same. 🥺 It's a credit to GA for capturing those emotions so vividly that the entire chain of events that led to that touching final moment was one that even resonated with me.
It was worth it to get a glimpse into the background of Millie's own upbringing and family, to see why she is so hard-wired and excessively loud as she is. it made her almost human, compared to the usual inhuman vocal chords she exudes with each of her appearances. I liked how Dash was inadvertently offering relationship advice to her and Keme, despite facing his own breakthroughs when it came to the current dilemma he and Bobby were facing. 🫂 Millie's family's reluctance, well, ambivalence to acknowledging her relationship with Keme was believable - even though, I'm confused -- did they not just attend prom?? has he not graduated high school, so why is that an issue for her folks??? 🤨
It's strange how as the series progresses, the mystery aspect seems to be faltering, whereas the relationship focus seems to be improving. 😅
Wonders never cease.
“Because Bobby was a prize, and I didn’t want to scare him off by saying something insane like, You’re perfect, and I’m never going to let you go.”
Yeah, they were cute. Cute and real. Yes, the shadows of uncertainty and fear of not being enough or speaking your voice, and just everything about Dash and Bobby was genuine. ❤️🩹 The trust, the confessions, and the desire for more, but knowing when it is enough not to need it; the doubts of the future, but believing in the now of the love they have - the best boyfriend ever who gives Dash the assurance that he is enough. 🥹 It was sweet and heartwarming and it didn't bother me. The mystery aspect, sure, it annoyed me, but these two - it's been a year and a half of ups and downs, but for now, I hope they'll only go onward and upwards together.
It is still a shame that everything is all very much fwb, cuz, strangely enough that I've only read GA's works that are in the safe zone; it makes me curious how he would write the more explicit steamy scenes, if they can set this girl's heart a flutter. 💓
Well, not that curious, but still. ☺️
Read
May 27, 2025Huh... I'm not sure how to rate this one.
I always enjoy seeing more Dash and Bobby interactions, but this fell a bit flat for me after the super intense #8.
Millie was getting on my nerves, her family was a total disaster, insulting and degrading Keme seemed to be kind of okay (Millie's family, not Millie), and no offense to her brothers, but I wasn't really invested in the mystery of the Santa porch pirating.
I'll come back and review this properly later. I do think it would be pretty difficult to match the intensity of book 8.
I always enjoy seeing more Dash and Bobby interactions, but this fell a bit flat for me after the super intense #8.
Millie was getting on my nerves, her family was a total disaster, insulting and degrading Keme seemed to be kind of okay (Millie's family, not Millie), and no offense to her brothers, but I wasn't really invested in the mystery of the Santa porch pirating.
I'll come back and review this properly later. I do think it would be pretty difficult to match the intensity of book 8.
May 27, 2025
MILLIE was nearly insufferable in "Mystery Magnet," but thankfully GA toned her down as of the second book, so I was getting to like her even before "Always Murder" made it clear why she feels compelled to yell so much. Late in this book, she delivers a well-earned punch to someone, and I do hope she saved some muscle for each and every member of her appalling family.
I still can't really believe in the relationship between Millie and Keme, and not even GA can turn me into someone who lurks by the "Cozy Mysteries" shelf in my local bookstore. (For my money, the strongest book in this series is Keme's, "Evil All Along," which not for nothing comes closest to Ashe's usual preoccupations and tone.) But this is a writer who's always funny and, even when he's putting his characters through the wringer, always humane, so really I have no complaints. The Last Picks series is an array of amuse-bouches, and my bouche is sufficiently amused.
Thanks to GA for the ARC; this is my honest opinion, of course.
I still can't really believe in the relationship between Millie and Keme, and not even GA can turn me into someone who lurks by the "Cozy Mysteries" shelf in my local bookstore. (For my money, the strongest book in this series is Keme's, "Evil All Along," which not for nothing comes closest to Ashe's usual preoccupations and tone.) But this is a writer who's always funny and, even when he's putting his characters through the wringer, always humane, so really I have no complaints. The Last Picks series is an array of amuse-bouches, and my bouche is sufficiently amused.
Thanks to GA for the ARC; this is my honest opinion, of course.
July 30, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
Always Murder, book 9 of The Last Picks is ‘Millie’s book’, and it’s quite a change of pace from the emotional catharsis of book 8, Evil All Along . The story is set just before Christmas and opens with Dash, Bobby (and Keme) spending an evening with Millie’s family – and it’s immediately apparent that life at Chez Nought is not particularly convivial. Her mother Christine is self-absorbed and always critical, (especially of Millie), her dad is quiet and largely absent, her brothers Paul and Ryan are immature slobs, and her sisters are entitled, selfish little brats, clearly going the way of their mother. It’s kind of amazing that Millie has turned out to be a decent, kind person – and the constant battle for attention goes a long way towards explaining her tendency to be LOUD.
The mystery in this one kicks off when Millie learns that Paul has been fired from his job at a local delivery company; it seems that a number of parcels from Paul’s round have gone missing, and he’s suspected of stealing them. Indignant on her brother’s behalf, Millie is determined to get to the truth and and insists that Dash should go along with her while she questions his boss to find out what’s going on. Things don’t go smoothly, but Dash agrees to do some more digging to see what he can find out. Then Paul goes missing, and Dash can’t help but fear the worst (because it’s Always Murder, right?)
I can’t say that I found the mystery particularly interesting and I honestly don’t know how Dash arrived at the resolution, which seemed to me to be a bit out of left-field. But I continue to enjoy Dash’s wry narrative voice, and his tangential thought-processes about the mystery genre as related to the book he’s (supposed to be) writing. I also enjoyed the focus on the relationship dynamics, not only on Dash and Bobby, who have another hurdle to clear, but on Millie and her friendship with Dash, Millie and her awful family, and on Millie and Keme (even though I have yet to be convinced are actually meant to be.)
Dash and Bobby have settled into coupledom nicely, but they still get tripped up occasionally by miscommunicating or not communicating. Bobby is getting better at talking things through, and Dash still has a tendency to catastrophise when Bobby isn’t immediately forthcoming, but they always find a way to talk openly and work through the problem together.
The main problem I had with the story (apart from the out-of-the-blue resolution) was with Millie’s family. I suspect their antics might have been meant to provide some comic relief, but as with Poppy in Broken Bird , and Dash’s Parents in By the Book , the Noughts are SO awful and treat Millie so badly that I just hated the lot of them. Fortunately, they’re not on the page too often, but I would have liked for someone to have put Christine in her place at the very least.
Always Murder is a fun return to Hastings Rock and to the Last Picks, but it’s not my favourite instalment in the series.
Always Murder, book 9 of The Last Picks is ‘Millie’s book’, and it’s quite a change of pace from the emotional catharsis of book 8, Evil All Along . The story is set just before Christmas and opens with Dash, Bobby (and Keme) spending an evening with Millie’s family – and it’s immediately apparent that life at Chez Nought is not particularly convivial. Her mother Christine is self-absorbed and always critical, (especially of Millie), her dad is quiet and largely absent, her brothers Paul and Ryan are immature slobs, and her sisters are entitled, selfish little brats, clearly going the way of their mother. It’s kind of amazing that Millie has turned out to be a decent, kind person – and the constant battle for attention goes a long way towards explaining her tendency to be LOUD.
The mystery in this one kicks off when Millie learns that Paul has been fired from his job at a local delivery company; it seems that a number of parcels from Paul’s round have gone missing, and he’s suspected of stealing them. Indignant on her brother’s behalf, Millie is determined to get to the truth and and insists that Dash should go along with her while she questions his boss to find out what’s going on. Things don’t go smoothly, but Dash agrees to do some more digging to see what he can find out. Then Paul goes missing, and Dash can’t help but fear the worst (because it’s Always Murder, right?)
I can’t say that I found the mystery particularly interesting and I honestly don’t know how Dash arrived at the resolution, which seemed to me to be a bit out of left-field. But I continue to enjoy Dash’s wry narrative voice, and his tangential thought-processes about the mystery genre as related to the book he’s (supposed to be) writing. I also enjoyed the focus on the relationship dynamics, not only on Dash and Bobby, who have another hurdle to clear, but on Millie and her friendship with Dash, Millie and her awful family, and on Millie and Keme (even though I have yet to be convinced are actually meant to be.)
Dash and Bobby have settled into coupledom nicely, but they still get tripped up occasionally by miscommunicating or not communicating. Bobby is getting better at talking things through, and Dash still has a tendency to catastrophise when Bobby isn’t immediately forthcoming, but they always find a way to talk openly and work through the problem together.
The main problem I had with the story (apart from the out-of-the-blue resolution) was with Millie’s family. I suspect their antics might have been meant to provide some comic relief, but as with Poppy in Broken Bird , and Dash’s Parents in By the Book , the Noughts are SO awful and treat Millie so badly that I just hated the lot of them. Fortunately, they’re not on the page too often, but I would have liked for someone to have put Christine in her place at the very least.
Always Murder is a fun return to Hastings Rock and to the Last Picks, but it’s not my favourite instalment in the series.
June 6, 2025
My least favourite in the series.
While Dash’s inner ramblings are an inherent part of this series (and they are chuckle-worthy a lot of times), I got bored of his random inner monologues here. Tbh, if you deleted them, half of the book would disappear.
And for some reason Millie’s story did not resonate as much with me as Keme’s. I very much disliked her mother, Christine, (to put it politely), and how that woman puts Millie down, humiliates and patronizes her. (Hmmm … Can a woman actually ‘patronize’???😉)
And nobody really calls Christine out on her BS. Because she is ‘family’. While I do get why Millie would hesitate to start arguing with her mother, I was left quite a bit dissatisfied how that went.
Highlight, no doubt, is further relationship development between Dash and Bobby, with some major light-bulb moments for Dash. I really like how they are sorting themselves out, and how both are learning to communicate.
And yes, I still despair at Dash’s lack of adulting. I still wonder how the heck he affords his bills. And I had to really hold back not to shout at him for avoiding his writing and doing something productive!
As for the mystery … there is not a lot of it, and I have NO idea how Dash figures things out miraculously at around 70%. It’s like he’s had a higher vision or something.
Very much hoping Indira’s story will captivate me more.
While Dash’s inner ramblings are an inherent part of this series (and they are chuckle-worthy a lot of times), I got bored of his random inner monologues here. Tbh, if you deleted them, half of the book would disappear.
And for some reason Millie’s story did not resonate as much with me as Keme’s. I very much disliked her mother, Christine, (to put it politely), and how that woman puts Millie down, humiliates and patronizes her. (Hmmm … Can a woman actually ‘patronize’???😉)
And nobody really calls Christine out on her BS. Because she is ‘family’. While I do get why Millie would hesitate to start arguing with her mother, I was left quite a bit dissatisfied how that went.
Highlight, no doubt, is further relationship development between Dash and Bobby, with some major light-bulb moments for Dash. I really like how they are sorting themselves out, and how both are learning to communicate.
And yes, I still despair at Dash’s lack of adulting. I still wonder how the heck he affords his bills. And I had to really hold back not to shout at him for avoiding his writing and doing something productive!
As for the mystery … there is not a lot of it, and I have NO idea how Dash figures things out miraculously at around 70%. It’s like he’s had a higher vision or something.
Very much hoping Indira’s story will captivate me more.
May 27, 2025
3.75 rounded up. I liked this more than the last one (if you told me I would like a Millie book more than a Keme book I would have said you were crazy). But again, the cozies will just always hit a ceiling of satisfaction for me. Body Count really puts things into perspective- what we could have had this year instead!
May 19, 2025
SO. MUCH. FUN!
After having our hearts ripped out by Keme’s backstory, it is time for us to learn more about Millie. Her voice shines through this ninth installment of the Last Picks, and we can appreciate how it came to be so strong. The energy in her family verges on toxic, with sisters that come straight out of Cinderella (or the Shining!). Dash, of course, blindly stumbles into a murder and eventually weaves an array of threads into a a tragic tapestry of death. So ironic this book came out so close to Mother’s Day; maternal inspiration only comes from Indira, well, and Fox. And while on the theme of mothers…Jinkx Monsson’s roast of Yvie Oddly came to mind as Dash gained insight into the origin of some of his behaviors towards Bobby. Ah, parents. Leave imprints EVERYWHERE. A wonderful read, can’t wait for the next installment!
After having our hearts ripped out by Keme’s backstory, it is time for us to learn more about Millie. Her voice shines through this ninth installment of the Last Picks, and we can appreciate how it came to be so strong. The energy in her family verges on toxic, with sisters that come straight out of Cinderella (or the Shining!). Dash, of course, blindly stumbles into a murder and eventually weaves an array of threads into a a tragic tapestry of death. So ironic this book came out so close to Mother’s Day; maternal inspiration only comes from Indira, well, and Fox. And while on the theme of mothers…Jinkx Monsson’s roast of Yvie Oddly came to mind as Dash gained insight into the origin of some of his behaviors towards Bobby. Ah, parents. Leave imprints EVERYWHERE. A wonderful read, can’t wait for the next installment!
May 30, 2025
Not bad for a cozy, but I am just not invested in Millie or Millie-and-Keme.
Does this mean Indira's book is next?
I got an ARC from the author, disclaimer disclaimer
Does this mean Indira's book is next?
I got an ARC from the author, disclaimer disclaimer
November 9, 2025
NGL, the mystery in this one was SUPER stupid. The murder did almost happen after the story was over, 😵💫🫣🙄.
Millie’s family are AwFUL. I wanted them ALL to die in a house fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Sadly, they all lived. Even the idiot mother. Ugh. Couldn’t she at least been stabbed or shot ?!?! Is that too much to ask?!?!
Bobby and Dash’s first Christmas 🎄 together..
Yada Yada Yada..
Only 2 more books left I think 😳😱
Millie’s family are AwFUL. I wanted them ALL to die in a house fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Sadly, they all lived. Even the idiot mother. Ugh. Couldn’t she at least been stabbed or shot ?!?! Is that too much to ask?!?!
Bobby and Dash’s first Christmas 🎄 together..
Yada Yada Yada..
Only 2 more books left I think 😳😱
June 5, 2025
No sé cómo hace esta saga para sacarme una lagrimita con cada libro jajajaja es que la conversación entre Dash y Millie fue tan bonita ;-;
Como siempre, me duró nada el libro y ahora estoy aquí esperando el siguiente. No sé qué haré cuando acabe The Last Picks.
Como siempre, me duró nada el libro y ahora estoy aquí esperando el siguiente. No sé qué haré cuando acabe The Last Picks.
May 24, 2025
I was excited to read this as an ARC since I enjoy Gregory Ashe’s Last Pick series, but this one just wasn't my favorite. The mystery part felt a little weak, and even after the big reveal, I found it confusing to fully piece together what happened and how the clues connected.
The story focuses a lot on Millie introducing her new boyfriend, Keme, to her family — who aren’t exactly thrilled about him. Ashe uses Millie’s family’s shallow, middle-class quirks for comedy, but honestly, but I found them so irritating it made parts of the book hard to read. This reminded me a bit of The Last Picks book #7 (By the Book), which also dealt with family drama — and that’s just not my favorite theme.
That said, what I always love about Ashe’s books is how the characters grow and develop over time. I enjoyed seeing Millie and Keme’s new relationship taking shape, and Bobby and Dash continue to evolve in ways that feel real and heartfelt. Ashe’s characters always stick with me — even if Millie’s family didn’t quite work for me this time around.
For me, it was a bit of a mixed bag, but I’ll definitely be back for the next book in the series. And thank you, as always, to the author for an ARC of this book
The story focuses a lot on Millie introducing her new boyfriend, Keme, to her family — who aren’t exactly thrilled about him. Ashe uses Millie’s family’s shallow, middle-class quirks for comedy, but honestly, but I found them so irritating it made parts of the book hard to read. This reminded me a bit of The Last Picks book #7 (By the Book), which also dealt with family drama — and that’s just not my favorite theme.
That said, what I always love about Ashe’s books is how the characters grow and develop over time. I enjoyed seeing Millie and Keme’s new relationship taking shape, and Bobby and Dash continue to evolve in ways that feel real and heartfelt. Ashe’s characters always stick with me — even if Millie’s family didn’t quite work for me this time around.
For me, it was a bit of a mixed bag, but I’ll definitely be back for the next book in the series. And thank you, as always, to the author for an ARC of this book
June 3, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Always Murder is the ninth book in Gregory Ashe’s Last Picks series and I am so enjoying these cozy mysteries. I also think Ashe is doing a great job evolving these stories as the series continues. In the earlier books, things were a lot more focused on Dash and his boyfriend, Bobby, finding their way together. I love that while these guys still have conflicts that allow for them to grow as characters, the relationship still feels solid. This gives us time to focus on some of the side characters that make up the “last picks” and get to know them better. In the prior book, Keme was featured, and here we learn much more about Millie, as the story deals with her family.
Millie has always been a source of comic relief, alongside a strong dose of nurturing and caretaking. But here, Ashe really helps us understand her better through interaction with her family.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Always Murder is the ninth book in Gregory Ashe’s Last Picks series and I am so enjoying these cozy mysteries. I also think Ashe is doing a great job evolving these stories as the series continues. In the earlier books, things were a lot more focused on Dash and his boyfriend, Bobby, finding their way together. I love that while these guys still have conflicts that allow for them to grow as characters, the relationship still feels solid. This gives us time to focus on some of the side characters that make up the “last picks” and get to know them better. In the prior book, Keme was featured, and here we learn much more about Millie, as the story deals with her family.
Millie has always been a source of comic relief, alongside a strong dose of nurturing and caretaking. But here, Ashe really helps us understand her better through interaction with her family.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
June 1, 2025
Probably my favourite murder mystery in the Last Picks series so far! Clever and quick; witty and winsome; smart and sweet — Always Murder is a firecracker of a cosy mystery with an abundance of joy, joviality, and just the right amount of murder.
December 29, 2025
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews
Starting with the previous book, it looks like this series is going to explore each of the last picks just a little better by involving them with some sort of murder. Or not murder, as it appears in this book. In the last book, we got a picture of Keme’s family, who were negligent and selfish and deliberately cruel. In the book, we meet Millie’s family. Since Millie is such a bubbly personality and comes from a family much better off than Keme’s, you’d expect them to be close and caring… sigh. Living in Millie’s family is like living in a 24/7 competition. For her sisters it’s who has the best boyfriend. her brothers it’s who can be less of a screw-up? Still, Millie’s mom plays favorites and it doesn’t look like she approves of Millie’s job or her boyfriend Keme. It makes me see why Millie might act so over the top. Perhaps she is always seeking the attention and approval she doesn’t get at home and perhaps she doesn’t want people to see how she isn’t really the happy-go-lucky young woman that she appears to be.
Yes, Millie’s family is cruel in their own way. Seeing Millie and Keme belittled and mistreated and given the worst parts of the Christmas pageant her family runs had me ready to scream. (A brief aside, I did enjoy that this story takes place at Christmas time, especially with the holiday so near in real life., even if it doesn’t really give off warm and fuzzy holiday vibes.) Back to Millie’s family! So I mentioned that Millie’s brothers seemed less stable than her sisters and their boyfriends. And less than Millie, really. Paul’s claim to fame is that he recently got a job at a package delivery company. Unfortunately for Paul, someone has been taking his deliveries. Paul is blamed right from the start, even if motive is unclear.
This mystery definitely had me guessing. Did the stealing have anything to do with Paul streaming his job duties online? Or was it a family of porch pirates that the police were already investigating. Or perhaps one of his sister’s boyfriends isn’t what they seem. Then Paul goes missing. I can’t say I’m a fan of Paul or any of Millie’s family, but I was really hoping that her family member wouldn’t become the murder victim that is usually associated with any case Dash solves. And though there is a dead body in the end, I will leave it up to you to discover what actually happens in this twisty and turny story. I definitely didn’t suspect the truth.
And I have to just talk really quick about Dash and Bobby, whose relationship is still in the early stages. As Dash helps Millie solve some relationship problems she’s having with Keme, he comes to some realizations about his own relationship. Communication is still an issue with these two! Dash might be a little bit pushy for Bobby to achieve certain milestones, but Bobby’s avoidance to tell Dash that something is bothering him leads Dash to feel really guilty in a way that I don’t think is necessary. Perhaps I am just too empathetic of Dash’s feelings and it was hard to see him try to take all the blame. I don’t want to go into great detail, but it definitely seems like there will still be moments for them to grow as individuals and as a couple as we explore other members of the “Last Picks.”
As always I recommend this story and the series. This author is always a hit for me, and the narrator is knocking it out of the park.
Starting with the previous book, it looks like this series is going to explore each of the last picks just a little better by involving them with some sort of murder. Or not murder, as it appears in this book. In the last book, we got a picture of Keme’s family, who were negligent and selfish and deliberately cruel. In the book, we meet Millie’s family. Since Millie is such a bubbly personality and comes from a family much better off than Keme’s, you’d expect them to be close and caring… sigh. Living in Millie’s family is like living in a 24/7 competition. For her sisters it’s who has the best boyfriend. her brothers it’s who can be less of a screw-up? Still, Millie’s mom plays favorites and it doesn’t look like she approves of Millie’s job or her boyfriend Keme. It makes me see why Millie might act so over the top. Perhaps she is always seeking the attention and approval she doesn’t get at home and perhaps she doesn’t want people to see how she isn’t really the happy-go-lucky young woman that she appears to be.
Yes, Millie’s family is cruel in their own way. Seeing Millie and Keme belittled and mistreated and given the worst parts of the Christmas pageant her family runs had me ready to scream. (A brief aside, I did enjoy that this story takes place at Christmas time, especially with the holiday so near in real life., even if it doesn’t really give off warm and fuzzy holiday vibes.) Back to Millie’s family! So I mentioned that Millie’s brothers seemed less stable than her sisters and their boyfriends. And less than Millie, really. Paul’s claim to fame is that he recently got a job at a package delivery company. Unfortunately for Paul, someone has been taking his deliveries. Paul is blamed right from the start, even if motive is unclear.
This mystery definitely had me guessing. Did the stealing have anything to do with Paul streaming his job duties online? Or was it a family of porch pirates that the police were already investigating. Or perhaps one of his sister’s boyfriends isn’t what they seem. Then Paul goes missing. I can’t say I’m a fan of Paul or any of Millie’s family, but I was really hoping that her family member wouldn’t become the murder victim that is usually associated with any case Dash solves. And though there is a dead body in the end, I will leave it up to you to discover what actually happens in this twisty and turny story. I definitely didn’t suspect the truth.
And I have to just talk really quick about Dash and Bobby, whose relationship is still in the early stages. As Dash helps Millie solve some relationship problems she’s having with Keme, he comes to some realizations about his own relationship. Communication is still an issue with these two! Dash might be a little bit pushy for Bobby to achieve certain milestones, but Bobby’s avoidance to tell Dash that something is bothering him leads Dash to feel really guilty in a way that I don’t think is necessary. Perhaps I am just too empathetic of Dash’s feelings and it was hard to see him try to take all the blame. I don’t want to go into great detail, but it definitely seems like there will still be moments for them to grow as individuals and as a couple as we explore other members of the “Last Picks.”
As always I recommend this story and the series. This author is always a hit for me, and the narrator is knocking it out of the park.
June 4, 2025
Love These Cozy Mysteries ❤️
This is one of my favourite cozy mystery series and I’m always waiting on the next book.
Gregory gives us a better insight into Millie in this book and her propensity for YELLING. Dash and Bobby get dragged along to Millie’s family holiday dinner where everyone, except Keme, wore hideous ugly Christmas sweaters, and I swear to god this family brought me out in a rash! The author gave us the most dysfunctional, horrendous, snobby, cruel family you could imagine, and then double it! I literally wanted to punch Millie’s mother in the face and as for her two sisters they should have been drowned at birth, they could give Cinderella’s sisters a run for their money and their boyfriends were equally obnoxious. Even with Millie’s decibels they still ignored her, and belittled Keme like it was a sport.
Millie was not one of my favourite characters in the last picks but Gregory gave us more context into her personality and her relationship with Keme and I warmed to her and even more so when she surprised everyone, and me, with a right hook to someone who deserved it. I just wanted her to go home and deliver a few more!
Dash and Bobby are settling into their relationship although they still find communicating difficult, especially Bobby, and so Dash being Dash makes up scenarios in his head and often gets it wrong which can then lead to conflict, but they are working it out and then Dash had a light bulb moment about his behaviour towards Bobby and thought he was turning into his mother! Needless to say he was mortified.
This was another good fun book, I can’t believe it is number nine, and it had another mystery for Dash to solve and only one murder this time. There is amusing banter and I
thought it was funny the way Millie’s mum was disappointed in Dash for not solving a murder in 3 months and apparently the whole town was disappointed 😂
If you enjoy a good cozy well written mystery then this series is for you.
This is one of my favourite cozy mystery series and I’m always waiting on the next book.
Gregory gives us a better insight into Millie in this book and her propensity for YELLING. Dash and Bobby get dragged along to Millie’s family holiday dinner where everyone, except Keme, wore hideous ugly Christmas sweaters, and I swear to god this family brought me out in a rash! The author gave us the most dysfunctional, horrendous, snobby, cruel family you could imagine, and then double it! I literally wanted to punch Millie’s mother in the face and as for her two sisters they should have been drowned at birth, they could give Cinderella’s sisters a run for their money and their boyfriends were equally obnoxious. Even with Millie’s decibels they still ignored her, and belittled Keme like it was a sport.
Millie was not one of my favourite characters in the last picks but Gregory gave us more context into her personality and her relationship with Keme and I warmed to her and even more so when she surprised everyone, and me, with a right hook to someone who deserved it. I just wanted her to go home and deliver a few more!
Dash and Bobby are settling into their relationship although they still find communicating difficult, especially Bobby, and so Dash being Dash makes up scenarios in his head and often gets it wrong which can then lead to conflict, but they are working it out and then Dash had a light bulb moment about his behaviour towards Bobby and thought he was turning into his mother! Needless to say he was mortified.
This was another good fun book, I can’t believe it is number nine, and it had another mystery for Dash to solve and only one murder this time. There is amusing banter and I
thought it was funny the way Millie’s mum was disappointed in Dash for not solving a murder in 3 months and apparently the whole town was disappointed 😂
If you enjoy a good cozy well written mystery then this series is for you.
June 2, 2025
Another fun installment in the Last Pick books!
Always Murder has all the elements we've grown to love: a fun mystery, fabulous dialogue, endearing characters, tongue-in-cheek mystery meta, and spot-on humour. These books are adorable and Always Murder is no exception.
This book focuses on Millie, who admittedly is not my favourite of the Last Picks. But it's hard not to feel for her here as we meet her family. Her middle-American family full of prejudices and inanity. They are critical, judgmental, and snobby and they treat Millie poorly. And Keme, too.
I liked the mystery in this one and the meta-commentary surrounding it. I know people have mixed feelings about this aspect of the Last Picks but I find it really cute and especially so in this installment.
I also really liked the scenes between Dash and Bobby, but this is no surprise - I love these two and any scene where they are interacting delights me. It was lovely to see their deepening relationship and their ever-improving ability to talk about their feelings!
I'm not sure how I feel about the Millie/Kemi relationship. I like both characters and I can buy in to them being together but when I see them together on page, it just falls a bit flat. GA's couples typically have chemistry for days, so I was expecting a little bit more.
Overall, another great installment of the Last Picks!
Always Murder has all the elements we've grown to love: a fun mystery, fabulous dialogue, endearing characters, tongue-in-cheek mystery meta, and spot-on humour. These books are adorable and Always Murder is no exception.
This book focuses on Millie, who admittedly is not my favourite of the Last Picks. But it's hard not to feel for her here as we meet her family. Her middle-American family full of prejudices and inanity. They are critical, judgmental, and snobby and they treat Millie poorly. And Keme, too.
I liked the mystery in this one and the meta-commentary surrounding it. I know people have mixed feelings about this aspect of the Last Picks but I find it really cute and especially so in this installment.
I also really liked the scenes between Dash and Bobby, but this is no surprise - I love these two and any scene where they are interacting delights me. It was lovely to see their deepening relationship and their ever-improving ability to talk about their feelings!
I'm not sure how I feel about the Millie/Kemi relationship. I like both characters and I can buy in to them being together but when I see them together on page, it just falls a bit flat. GA's couples typically have chemistry for days, so I was expecting a little bit more.
Overall, another great installment of the Last Picks!
June 8, 2025
Okay, first, Molly's family? They are the worst. Christine is a manipulative, self-centred nightmare. And her two older daughters are mini versions of her. Molly's dad is a non-entity who couldn't care less about his family. And her brothers are, plain and simply put, stupid. Molly didn't have it easy at home. And yes, she should stop trying to please a mother who is decidedly not inclined to be impressed by anything she does. But it IS her mother, so I also understand why she acts the way she does.
Yes, even with Keme, despite hating seeing it. In a way, she manipulates him into doing what she needs to feel like they fit into her family. :(
And Keme... he's not very helpful. They fight and walk away from each other all the time. Even for me, who is not very invested in this relationship, it is hard to witness.
Molly has her little win at the end, but... in all honesty, I hope she leaves that house ASAP.
Dash and Bobby are having a rough time, too. But, surprisingly, it is Dash who sees the problem and talks about it. Go, Dash!
Now... the mystery... I'm still wondering how Dash knew what happened. I truly didn't get it. And I still don't understand what the point of Paul saying “—just playing, Millie, we were just wrestling—” was.
Yeah, the mystery wasn't the strongest point in this book :P But I still liked it :D
Yes, even with Keme, despite hating seeing it. In a way, she manipulates him into doing what she needs to feel like they fit into her family. :(
And Keme... he's not very helpful. They fight and walk away from each other all the time. Even for me, who is not very invested in this relationship, it is hard to witness.
Molly has her little win at the end, but... in all honesty, I hope she leaves that house ASAP.
Dash and Bobby are having a rough time, too. But, surprisingly, it is Dash who sees the problem and talks about it. Go, Dash!
Now... the mystery... I'm still wondering how Dash knew what happened. I truly didn't get it. And I still don't understand what the point of Paul saying “—just playing, Millie, we were just wrestling—” was.
Yeah, the mystery wasn't the strongest point in this book :P But I still liked it :D
June 12, 2025
This is Millie's book-one of the Last Picks as they call themselves. We delve into her history and family to see why Millie is MILLIE- and her HORRIBLE FAMILY! Oh my goodness, i just wanted to shake the ever living stuffing out of them all, they are all so self absorbed and narcissistic it drove me crazy. I really want her to move out and live with the Last Picks at Hemlock House. This mystery is about Millie's brother going missing-and Millie goes to Dash for help. In addition, we get all the angst of new love Millie/Keme and some very important self-awareness from Dash/Bobby. Another phenomenal story from Gregory Ashe. I have to admit that it is my favorite because of my TUCKERIZATION! This was a level in the Kickstarter for this Cozy Series-design a character for one of the novels and MINE IS IN THIS BOOK! Gregory Ashe did a magnificent job taking my suggestions and turning them into a side character. "Three" was my creation that made me grin ear to ear when I came across him in the book. THANK YOU Greg for being spectacular as usual. Read this series you will not regret a moment. But book #9 is MINE :)
May 22, 2025
These books keep getting better and better.
If you had told me that "Always Murder" would top "Evil all along", well, I would have believed you of course because it appears GA isn't familiar with the concept of "plateau" but I would have found it difficult. And yet. And yet.
I loved the mystery again, it was so smart. I thought I was so clever having identified the culprit, only to be proven wrong 2 seconds later (damn misdirection, I fell right for it).
Dash is funny and so lovable, look at him grow and help his friends! I love the private scenes between him and Bobby.
In this book we are learning more about Millie's life at home and her new relationship with Keme. Unsurprisingly, GA does an amazing job here too. Managing to link both to Dash & Bobby's relationship and Dash's parents and helping Dash learn and grow in the process.
1000% recommended. Can't wait for Indira's book next!!!!
If you had told me that "Always Murder" would top "Evil all along", well, I would have believed you of course because it appears GA isn't familiar with the concept of "plateau" but I would have found it difficult. And yet. And yet.
I loved the mystery again, it was so smart. I thought I was so clever having identified the culprit, only to be proven wrong 2 seconds later (damn misdirection, I fell right for it).
Dash is funny and so lovable, look at him grow and help his friends! I love the private scenes between him and Bobby.
In this book we are learning more about Millie's life at home and her new relationship with Keme. Unsurprisingly, GA does an amazing job here too. Managing to link both to Dash & Bobby's relationship and Dash's parents and helping Dash learn and grow in the process.
1000% recommended. Can't wait for Indira's book next!!!!
May 25, 2025
Surprise surprise, I absolutely loved this one.
This one is all about MILLIE and the most dysfunctional family in all of existence. No seriously, Millie's mom makes Dash's mom look good. But luckily the Last Picks are the greatest family ever. I think these books hit so hard for me because Dash's internal monologue is what I hear in my own head 99% of the time. With the exception of all the classic mystery books I haven't read but always want to because Dash makes them sound so good. And there is some renewed relationship angst but it makes sense for both couples and of course, all works out in the end.
My favorite part is still all the fourth wall breaking. Dash is constantly pointing out great times to reveal a body which keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for when he's going to stumble upon something! It keeps me falling for all the red herrings, but I actually feel like part of the team.
This one is all about MILLIE and the most dysfunctional family in all of existence. No seriously, Millie's mom makes Dash's mom look good. But luckily the Last Picks are the greatest family ever. I think these books hit so hard for me because Dash's internal monologue is what I hear in my own head 99% of the time. With the exception of all the classic mystery books I haven't read but always want to because Dash makes them sound so good. And there is some renewed relationship angst but it makes sense for both couples and of course, all works out in the end.
My favorite part is still all the fourth wall breaking. Dash is constantly pointing out great times to reveal a body which keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for when he's going to stumble upon something! It keeps me falling for all the red herrings, but I actually feel like part of the team.
September 8, 2025
This time it’s Christmas and Millie needs some help for her brother. Plus there’s some relationship rocky moments with Millie and Keme and Dash and Bobby that get worked out with reflection and conversation.
I am awed by the concise, clear, reflective and incredibly poignant ah-ha’s these characters have about life land being in relationships. It’s really good. It’s what keeps me coming back for the next installment. Yea, for the mysteries and the “I’ve got it” moment when Dash had figured it out. I love that. And the town and house. The descriptions are economical in words, yet so descriptive that I feel like I’m there.
Again, still wish that Keme wasn’t violent, scary, or bullying. Even so, I’ll keep reading these books.
I am awed by the concise, clear, reflective and incredibly poignant ah-ha’s these characters have about life land being in relationships. It’s really good. It’s what keeps me coming back for the next installment. Yea, for the mysteries and the “I’ve got it” moment when Dash had figured it out. I love that. And the town and house. The descriptions are economical in words, yet so descriptive that I feel like I’m there.
Again, still wish that Keme wasn’t violent, scary, or bullying. Even so, I’ll keep reading these books.
June 2, 2025
4.25 Stars rounded up to 5.
I always enjoy these little palate cleanser books after reading all the darker literature I normally consume; they hold a special place in my heart. This time, we learn a lot more about Millie, and oh my goodness, my heart broke for her. Overlooked and dismissed by the people that should love her most, her found family go out of their way to look after her. In this instalment, Millie and Dash try to find out who is stealing the parcels from her brother’s delivery route. The mystery itself really takes second place to discovering more about the eclectic characters. This is truly a cosy mystery.
I always enjoy these little palate cleanser books after reading all the darker literature I normally consume; they hold a special place in my heart. This time, we learn a lot more about Millie, and oh my goodness, my heart broke for her. Overlooked and dismissed by the people that should love her most, her found family go out of their way to look after her. In this instalment, Millie and Dash try to find out who is stealing the parcels from her brother’s delivery route. The mystery itself really takes second place to discovering more about the eclectic characters. This is truly a cosy mystery.
June 21, 2025
Four stars for Dash and Bobby. I love Bobby’s goofy grin even though I can’t see it.
I didn’t care about this mystery. I didn’t care whether whichever brother lived or died. Millie’s family isn’t likable. After all the horrible things Millie’s mother and sisters say, there’s no comeback from Millie. She just takes it. I can’t handle the pass her family is given in this book.
When is Dash going to meet Bobby’s parents? Is that in the preview? I never read the preview right after I finish the current book, lol. It’s too soon. I’ll swing back to it in July.
I didn’t care about this mystery. I didn’t care whether whichever brother lived or died. Millie’s family isn’t likable. After all the horrible things Millie’s mother and sisters say, there’s no comeback from Millie. She just takes it. I can’t handle the pass her family is given in this book.
When is Dash going to meet Bobby’s parents? Is that in the preview? I never read the preview right after I finish the current book, lol. It’s too soon. I’ll swing back to it in July.
June 23, 2025
They just get better and better. This one is Millie's story. She has been a side character among the last picks all along until her relationship with Keme blossomed. In this one we learn more about her, and like the last book in which Keme came to the fore, Millie is full of depth and a strong companion to the other last picks. Bobby and Dash continue to 'communicate', with their relationship growing stronger every time. The focus of this story not being on a found dead body, at least not at the start, was a refreshing take on the mystery. Great fun. Keep them coming please!!!
December 13, 2025
MILLIE! Omg, I have so been looking forward to Millie's story and I was not disappointed. Millie's family is horrible, all of them, especially her mother. What a nasty woman. Millie needs Dash's help when one of her brothers is accused of stealing and then murder. There is murder but also feelings between Dash and Bobby and also with Millie and Keme, a bit swoony and sweet. Realization that what you think you know is best for your partner isn't always what's best for them. Once again, the audio is fabulous and can't wait for book 10!
May 24, 2025
I've been hitting a number of DNFs in ARCs lately, so it was a treat to get this and know it would be a pleasure from start to finish. Millie is my least favorite Last Pick, but I appreciated learning more about why she's the way she is. I loved seeing Dash and Bobby's interactions (neuroses and all), and I can't wait for the next book!
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
June 2, 2025
I love all these characters but Millie’s back story is definitely one I was least interested in learning about . I’m glad to say that this was much more enjoyable than anticipated. I was worried a little in the first half of the book and definitely started enjoying myself more in the second half.
I suspect this one is a little bit of a palate cleanser between Kemes and Indiras book and it’s delivered on that front.
I suspect this one is a little bit of a palate cleanser between Kemes and Indiras book and it’s delivered on that front.
June 5, 2025
Somehow Dash has been roped into Millie's family festive plans.
And somehow he is a manger whilst Keme is the donkey.
The mystery this time is Millie's brother Paul, who is dismissed from work following a spate of package thefts. Dash investigates and eventually stumbles upon a murder.
There is more on Dash's relationship with Bobby and Bobby thinking about becoming a detective.
And somehow he is a manger whilst Keme is the donkey.
The mystery this time is Millie's brother Paul, who is dismissed from work following a spate of package thefts. Dash investigates and eventually stumbles upon a murder.
There is more on Dash's relationship with Bobby and Bobby thinking about becoming a detective.
November 19, 2025
Enjoyed this one. Couldn’t put it down. The audio is great!! Again this is not my favorite series but like each book more. I wasn’t sure I was going to like this one as much because as I’ve stated in the past Milly is my least favorite side character. I still don’t love her but liked felt sorry for her in this book. I just absolutely love Bobby and Dash.
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