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The Last Picks #10
Wham Line
Grief is the price of love.
When an upscale restaurant opens in Hastings Rock, Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash) and his friends are excited to get reservations for the soft open. After all, winter on the Oregon Coast is the quiet season, and Dash is looking forward to a little excitement. (And, of course, dessert.)
Instead, their arrival at the restaurant brings them face to face with Indira’s ex-husband, Mal. And when Mal ends up dead, Indira is the chief suspect.
Dash is sure he can prove Indira’s innocence, but before he has the chance, tragedy strikes Bobby’s family. With Bobby drawn back to Portland, Dash finds himself torn between helping his boyfriend and saving Indira.
And the killer isn’t done yet.
When an upscale restaurant opens in Hastings Rock, Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash) and his friends are excited to get reservations for the soft open. After all, winter on the Oregon Coast is the quiet season, and Dash is looking forward to a little excitement. (And, of course, dessert.)
Instead, their arrival at the restaurant brings them face to face with Indira’s ex-husband, Mal. And when Mal ends up dead, Indira is the chief suspect.
Dash is sure he can prove Indira’s innocence, but before he has the chance, tragedy strikes Bobby’s family. With Bobby drawn back to Portland, Dash finds himself torn between helping his boyfriend and saving Indira.
And the killer isn’t done yet.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2025
52 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
136 books1,803 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 61 reviews
August 13, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
Due to the process of elimination there is not really much fanfare when it comes to solving the crime. True to form of this cozy noir, Dash once again has his moment of enlightenment followed by the culprit cornering all concerned persons, so they can give their play by play, word for word reenactment while threatening them with their lives, as Dash is continuouslythwarted interrupted in his valiant attempts to have his moment in the spotlight, rather than everyone else stealing his thunder. 😮💨
I don't blame the author for reserving the right to have it play out as such until the final book of the series, where in fact, Dash may finally have the last laugh, but the gag has run its course - ten times too many times! 😩 Do I sound bitter? Yes, I am.
Same old, same old, just like revenge is a dish best served cold... or so I'm told... 😥
“What I learned is that being alone doesn’t make it any easier to grieve. It doesn’t make your pain sacred. All it does is make you lonely.”
In a surprise turn of events, it may be one of those rare moments where Dash had my utmost sympathies. The whack-a-mole cover is most definitely fitting and deserving, because it was a double whammy of a Wham Line, Dash found himself in - caught between trying to save Indira's good name, while also being the best boyfriend by Bobby's side as he deals with an unexpected tragedy - bonded by their shared experience of grief in the wake of it. 🥺
And for that, Dash bore the brunt of a lot of trying to be understanding, while also toeing the balance of being more than just a friend or an investigator; there was a lot happening inside me, stuff I couldn’t even put a name to. 😢 It's watching someone crumble and having to be patient enough to allow them to grieve at their own pace. It's not a sacrifice, it's what a relationship means. Dash faces it the hard way, but it's one that ultimately makes their bond even stronger. His pain at Bobby's retaliation - so heartbreaking. Bobby's own state when meeting his family - even more unbearable. 💔
The Last Picks really felt like a family this time. Working in tandem to protect Indira, defying Dash (lol), sticking it together, never doubting her innocence, it felt like two years of friendship was finally proving itself, which was nice to see. 🫂 Maybe because Indira is a more mature, level-headed person, even the dialogue and relationship advice resonated well - especially for Dash during his tragically painful. That kind of funny moments of vulnerability. Even though I was a bit bored with the spoilers, I appreciate how the author explained how Dash's feelings with Bobby's hurt and pain reflected upon understanding the crime he was caught up in.
“People are complicated. Emotions are messy.”
I really was upset with Bobby when he behaved as he did; but, Dash has enough tact and heart to be the forgiving one, even as Bobby realized the intense wrongness of it. There was a severe lack of physical intimacy this time between the two, which of course, is understandable in the wake of things, but I felt like it's also a believable portrayal that you don't have to get down and dirty all the time to show how much you care for the one you love, and how much they mean to you, too. ❤️🩹
However. the pinpoint accuracy in which Dash could discern the nationality of a stranger this time around was deeply disconcerting, if not slightly offensive this time around. I can ignore the Professor Trelawney meets the Kaiser comparison, but a comment like at least one of his parents had been East Asian, but one had probably been White—you could see that, too, in his eyes was a bit alarming to come across. 😒 I mean, I have pointed out earlier that I do have issues with how we have to know if a character is White or Black, and maybe it's a writer's thing.
But, unless Dash has a PhD in figuring out one's nationality upon sight - I was not a fan of these references this time around. Maybe it's the author telling the readers the certainty of it, but I didn't feel it that way. 🙎🏻♀️ Dash just inferring that she was from Vietnam from her looks alone upon their first meeting, doesn't come across very --- good... People would pass me on the street and ask me am I a foreigner? Am I from Iran? I've never even left Pakistan, let alone lived anywhere besides Lahore!! 😭😭
clears throat
So, yes, despite the writing style carrying the same undertone of Dash's emotions and inner thoughts reflected throughout, I wish these would be toned down just a notch; maybe it's not wrong and I'm making a big deal out of nothing, but these annoyances (especially the eyes reference) were a bit too pointed this time around - and not in a good way, either. 😕
“Grief, in a mystery novel, was nothing more than a stepping-stone toward justice—or revenge.”
Due to the process of elimination there is not really much fanfare when it comes to solving the crime. True to form of this cozy noir, Dash once again has his moment of enlightenment followed by the culprit cornering all concerned persons, so they can give their play by play, word for word reenactment while threatening them with their lives, as Dash is continuously
I don't blame the author for reserving the right to have it play out as such until the final book of the series, where in fact, Dash may finally have the last laugh, but the gag has run its course - ten times too many times! 😩 Do I sound bitter? Yes, I am.
Same old, same old, just like revenge is a dish best served cold... or so I'm told... 😥
“What I learned is that being alone doesn’t make it any easier to grieve. It doesn’t make your pain sacred. All it does is make you lonely.”
In a surprise turn of events, it may be one of those rare moments where Dash had my utmost sympathies. The whack-a-mole cover is most definitely fitting and deserving, because it was a double whammy of a Wham Line, Dash found himself in - caught between trying to save Indira's good name, while also being the best boyfriend by Bobby's side as he deals with an unexpected tragedy - bonded by their shared experience of grief in the wake of it. 🥺
And for that, Dash bore the brunt of a lot of trying to be understanding, while also toeing the balance of being more than just a friend or an investigator; there was a lot happening inside me, stuff I couldn’t even put a name to. 😢 It's watching someone crumble and having to be patient enough to allow them to grieve at their own pace. It's not a sacrifice, it's what a relationship means. Dash faces it the hard way, but it's one that ultimately makes their bond even stronger. His pain at Bobby's retaliation - so heartbreaking. Bobby's own state when meeting his family - even more unbearable. 💔
The Last Picks really felt like a family this time. Working in tandem to protect Indira, defying Dash (lol), sticking it together, never doubting her innocence, it felt like two years of friendship was finally proving itself, which was nice to see. 🫂 Maybe because Indira is a more mature, level-headed person, even the dialogue and relationship advice resonated well - especially for Dash during his tragically painful. That kind of funny moments of vulnerability. Even though I was a bit bored with the spoilers, I appreciate how the author explained how Dash's feelings with Bobby's hurt and pain reflected upon understanding the crime he was caught up in.
“People are complicated. Emotions are messy.”
I really was upset with Bobby when he behaved as he did; but, Dash has enough tact and heart to be the forgiving one, even as Bobby realized the intense wrongness of it. There was a severe lack of physical intimacy this time between the two, which of course, is understandable in the wake of things, but I felt like it's also a believable portrayal that you don't have to get down and dirty all the time to show how much you care for the one you love, and how much they mean to you, too. ❤️🩹
However. the pinpoint accuracy in which Dash could discern the nationality of a stranger this time around was deeply disconcerting, if not slightly offensive this time around. I can ignore the Professor Trelawney meets the Kaiser comparison, but a comment like at least one of his parents had been East Asian, but one had probably been White—you could see that, too, in his eyes was a bit alarming to come across. 😒 I mean, I have pointed out earlier that I do have issues with how we have to know if a character is White or Black, and maybe it's a writer's thing.
But, unless Dash has a PhD in figuring out one's nationality upon sight - I was not a fan of these references this time around. Maybe it's the author telling the readers the certainty of it, but I didn't feel it that way. 🙎🏻♀️ Dash just inferring that she was from Vietnam from her looks alone upon their first meeting, doesn't come across very --- good... People would pass me on the street and ask me am I a foreigner? Am I from Iran? I've never even left Pakistan, let alone lived anywhere besides Lahore!! 😭😭
clears throat
So, yes, despite the writing style carrying the same undertone of Dash's emotions and inner thoughts reflected throughout, I wish these would be toned down just a notch; maybe it's not wrong and I'm making a big deal out of nothing, but these annoyances (especially the eyes reference) were a bit too pointed this time around - and not in a good way, either. 😕
July 28, 2025
OK, look: I'm always going to like That Other Gregory Ashe better. You know the one: head trauma, psychological trauma, violence, sex, creative swearing, people who love each other doing unforgivable things to each other and then forgiving each other anyway, head trauma, sex, creative swearing. Climbing out of own grave optional but welcome.
That having been said, I think my boy may have mastered the art of the cozy noir *excited bugle noises*
The mystery is, as always in the Last Picks, secondary to someone's emotional crisis; we get a twofer this time, in that Indira's arrested for the murder of her ex-husband, and Bobby's mother dies. Both the emotional crises and the mystery plot hinge on grief -- grief for a parent, for a partner, for a family that could have been -- and on how grief manifests itself in different people. Indira speaks of great grief as leaving the sufferer so deep as to be unreachable; I don't know that that's always true, but it's credibly true for the grief-stricken characters in Wham Line, which is what counts.
As usual, Dash is sometimes so self-absorbed even a Quaker would want to smack him, and sometimes so full of loving-kindness that the Quaker in question would draw their hand back at the last instant. Thankfully, he and Bobby (sometimes so closed off I'm siccing the Quaker on him next, and sometimes full up with loving-kindness to match Dash's; poor thwarted Quaker!) have a couple of fruitful conversations. And of course they solve the mystery.
I have mixed feelings about my 5-star rating here. I don't find the Last Picks books as rich and memorable as I do almost all of GA's other work; on the other hand, the series has gotten a whole lot better as it goes along, and besides, shouldn't I grade Wham Line against some general idea of cozy mystery rather than against fiction of a kind I will always prefer? Plus, there's Dash's first encounter with Bobby's father and brother, which is frankly a masterpiece of cringe. So yeah, 5 stars, with whatever qualifications seem right to you.
And thanks as always to GA for the ARC.
That having been said, I think my boy may have mastered the art of the cozy noir *excited bugle noises*
The mystery is, as always in the Last Picks, secondary to someone's emotional crisis; we get a twofer this time, in that Indira's arrested for the murder of her ex-husband, and Bobby's mother dies. Both the emotional crises and the mystery plot hinge on grief -- grief for a parent, for a partner, for a family that could have been -- and on how grief manifests itself in different people. Indira speaks of great grief as leaving the sufferer so deep as to be unreachable; I don't know that that's always true, but it's credibly true for the grief-stricken characters in Wham Line, which is what counts.
As usual, Dash is sometimes so self-absorbed even a Quaker would want to smack him, and sometimes so full of loving-kindness that the Quaker in question would draw their hand back at the last instant. Thankfully, he and Bobby (sometimes so closed off I'm siccing the Quaker on him next, and sometimes full up with loving-kindness to match Dash's; poor thwarted Quaker!) have a couple of fruitful conversations. And of course they solve the mystery.
I have mixed feelings about my 5-star rating here. I don't find the Last Picks books as rich and memorable as I do almost all of GA's other work; on the other hand, the series has gotten a whole lot better as it goes along, and besides, shouldn't I grade Wham Line against some general idea of cozy mystery rather than against fiction of a kind I will always prefer? Plus, there's Dash's first encounter with Bobby's father and brother, which is frankly a masterpiece of cringe. So yeah, 5 stars, with whatever qualifications seem right to you.
And thanks as always to GA for the ARC.
August 21, 2025
Wham Line drops August 11, 2025!
After Keme, I think Indira’s book is the one I’ve most been looking forward to. We know her as the kitchen sorceress, motherly figure with a penchant for firearms and with hints of despondency in her backstory, but there’s so much more potential and layers ready to be unleashed. Fingers are crossed, and prayers have been sent - the countdown begins!
After Keme, I think Indira’s book is the one I’ve most been looking forward to. We know her as the kitchen sorceress, motherly figure with a penchant for firearms and with hints of despondency in her backstory, but there’s so much more potential and layers ready to be unleashed. Fingers are crossed, and prayers have been sent - the countdown begins!
August 19, 2025
3.5 stars
This was stronger than the last couple of installments and, as such, I feel like I should have enjoyed it more. But I'm just so emotionally detached from the cozies now that . . . I feel nothing? Like I'm dead inside? It's fine, it's fine, it's all fine!
Seriously, though -- having just read Flint and Tinder (which required a re-read of Hollow Folk, I don't make the rules) makes me realize how little invested I am in Last Picks. I didn't even necessarily like a lot of what's in HF and F&T, but damn, I have strong feelings about all of it (#JusticeForEmmett). Here I feel like I'm just waiting for the cozy phase to end so that we can get back to what GA is really good at: head trauma and crushing hopes and dreams.
But in the interests of consistency in ratings: since this was, objectively speaking, better than Millie's book (even if the mystery was, per usual with the cozies, weak), and since I gave Millie's book 3 stars, I have no choice but to give this four. Four stars from someone dead inside. That's the kind of trustworthy analysis you get on these here intertubes.
I got an ARC from the author, honest opinion, etc
This was stronger than the last couple of installments and, as such, I feel like I should have enjoyed it more. But I'm just so emotionally detached from the cozies now that . . . I feel nothing? Like I'm dead inside? It's fine, it's fine, it's all fine!
Seriously, though -- having just read Flint and Tinder (which required a re-read of Hollow Folk, I don't make the rules) makes me realize how little invested I am in Last Picks. I didn't even necessarily like a lot of what's in HF and F&T, but damn, I have strong feelings about all of it (#JusticeForEmmett). Here I feel like I'm just waiting for the cozy phase to end so that we can get back to what GA is really good at: head trauma and crushing hopes and dreams.
But in the interests of consistency in ratings: since this was, objectively speaking, better than Millie's book (even if the mystery was, per usual with the cozies, weak), and since I gave Millie's book 3 stars, I have no choice but to give this four. Four stars from someone dead inside. That's the kind of trustworthy analysis you get on these here intertubes.
I got an ARC from the author, honest opinion, etc
November 7, 2025
Well, I think I enjoyed this more than I have any of these in a while. Which is weird, because at the same time I feel like it leans too heavily on readers being familiar with past books, resulting in a sort of underdeveloped feel to all the characterization/relationship aspects of the novel. But since (on balance, in this series) Ashe has tended to err on the side of too much character stuff to the detriment of the actual plot... it was kind of a nice change.
I'm not sure if it's quite a "true" 5 for me, meaning reread worthy, but rounding up.
I'm not sure if it's quite a "true" 5 for me, meaning reread worthy, but rounding up.
August 14, 2025
I did find myself wondering whether I would be sticking with this series if it weren't for Gregory Ashe's name on the cover. The murder mystery is more or less sidelined for most of the book, with the final resolution raising little more than an "Oh, right. OK."
What I get stuck on is that, actually, I don't care very much for any of the "Last Picks" gang. I know most of them have had their "own" book now but, really, their initial two-dimensional characterisations don't seem to have developed much. The "mom" figure, the kookie one, the surly teenager and the LOUD one.
And unfortunately, in many respects, this applies to the MC, Dash Dane, as well. I haven't worked out what period the 10 books have covered, but it's at least a year and maybe longer. Yet Dash's characterisation has largely stalled at "I like cake", "I'm too lazy to write" and, in Keme's company, "I'm just a silly teenager". I'm finding it really hard to take the many many many references to "Dash likes cake"—it just isn't as endearing a quality as Ashe or Dash seems to believe.
This is a problem, because at the same time as Dash is playing up his juvenile side, he's also supposed to be navigating an adult relationship with Bobby.
In fact, this is the best part of the book (and why I'll go on reading the series)—Dash's genuinely tortured attempts to support Bobby (and the one devastating scene that involves). That, and a long & somewhat out-of-place* disquisition on the nature of grief. But I find it difficult to reconcile his thoughtful self-aware meditation with the everyday thoughtless lazy procrastinator.
I'm also surprised by Ashe's decision to
I'm working on the sunk-cost basis at this point in the series, and trying not to think of the curate's egg.
*
What I get stuck on is that, actually, I don't care very much for any of the "Last Picks" gang. I know most of them have had their "own" book now but, really, their initial two-dimensional characterisations don't seem to have developed much. The "mom" figure, the kookie one, the surly teenager and the LOUD one.
And unfortunately, in many respects, this applies to the MC, Dash Dane, as well. I haven't worked out what period the 10 books have covered, but it's at least a year and maybe longer. Yet Dash's characterisation has largely stalled at "I like cake", "I'm too lazy to write" and, in Keme's company, "I'm just a silly teenager". I'm finding it really hard to take the many many many references to "Dash likes cake"—it just isn't as endearing a quality as Ashe or Dash seems to believe.
This is a problem, because at the same time as Dash is playing up his juvenile side, he's also supposed to be navigating an adult relationship with Bobby.
In fact, this is the best part of the book (and why I'll go on reading the series)—Dash's genuinely tortured attempts to support Bobby (and the one devastating scene that involves). That, and a long & somewhat out-of-place* disquisition on the nature of grief. But I find it difficult to reconcile his thoughtful self-aware meditation with the everyday thoughtless lazy procrastinator.
I'm also surprised by Ashe's decision to
I'm working on the sunk-cost basis at this point in the series, and trying not to think of the curate's egg.
*
August 16, 2025
4,5 stars
A favourite in the series.
Yes, to all of this …
.) Further relationship growth between Dash and Bobby! So well written.
.) Another piece of character growth for Dash. I totally get where he is coming from when he hits all those self-doubts and insecurities.
.) A very intricate look at grief and how it affects people differently.
.) Dash has actually completed a novel. Darn. I’m so pleased for him, even if nobody wants it, atm.
.) I really enjoyed the mystery this time.
.) Loved looking into Indira’s past, enabling us to understand her better.
.) Those Last Picks certainly know how to stick together!
Not sure if I really wanted that literature lecture about grief in mysteries, but ok. I guess I’m educated.😂
A favourite in the series.
Yes, to all of this …
.) Further relationship growth between Dash and Bobby! So well written.
.) Another piece of character growth for Dash. I totally get where he is coming from when he hits all those self-doubts and insecurities.
.) A very intricate look at grief and how it affects people differently.
.) Dash has actually completed a novel. Darn. I’m so pleased for him, even if nobody wants it, atm.
.) I really enjoyed the mystery this time.
.) Loved looking into Indira’s past, enabling us to understand her better.
.) Those Last Picks certainly know how to stick together!
Not sure if I really wanted that literature lecture about grief in mysteries, but ok. I guess I’m educated.😂
November 26, 2025
B+ / 4.5 stars
I’m late getting to this instalment of The Last Picks – no excuses, just that I’m kinda cosied out and where I’d normally be jumping into a Gregory Ashe book the minute it landed in my inbox, I’ve been doing that less and less as the series has progressed. The silly thing is that when I do get around to reading the books I enjoy them, and while the mysteries aren’t the draw for me, the character work and interactions – my favourite things about his books – are very good indeed, and have been getting better and better as we near the end of the series. So more fool me, I suppose, for not getting stuck in right away – but I’m just not as invested in this series as I’ve been in the author’s usual more angsty, trauma-filled fare. (I miss the sex, violence, and inventive swearing, dammit!)
The last half of the series has seen the Last Picks each getting a story, and Wham Line is Indira’s. She’s always been a bit of an enigma – cool, very self-possessed, and a kind of den-mother to all of them! – so I was looking forward to getting to know a bit more about her. The book opens with the Hemlock House gang attending the opening of a new restaurant in Hasting’s Rock – but they haven’t even got as far as ordering their food when things start to go sideways and Dash watches as Indira, normally so impassive, obviously sees something that disturbs her and walks out. The gang is debating who (if anyone) should go after her; Dash is on his way when he hears a couple of loud ‘pops’ he at first thinks must be champagne corks… only to realise that they were gunshots. Following Bobby out through the kitchen and into the alley behind the restaurant, they find a body lying on the ground and a shaken Indira standing in the shadows. The man, she tells them, was her ex-husband, Mal. And she’s holding her gun.
Dun-dun-DUUUNNN!! Well, of course Indira is the number one suspect, and of course Dash is desperate to exonerate her, even though the sheriff – who is surprisingly tolerant of his getting mixed up in her investigations – warns him that he’s too close to this one and should step back. (Fat chance!)
While Dash is furiously trying to think of ways to help Indira, Bobby gets the news that his mother has died suddenly. Dash knows Bobby doesn’t have the best relationship with his parents, but is determined to be there to offer what support he can, knowing him well enough by now to know that he will try to remain stoic and that all he, Dash, can do, is be there for him and wait. Which is easier said than done, especially when Bobby seems to be withdrawing completely, insisting that he’s “fine” and clearly not wanting anything from Dash, who only wants to know how to better help him. (The meeting between Dash and Bobby’s dad and brother is quite possibly the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever read –on Goodreads, Ancientreader describes it as a “masterpiece of cringe”, which is spot on.)
So Dash finds himself pulled in two different directions, wanting to be there for both Bobby and Indira – while the real killer doesn’t seem to be satisfied with just one victim...
Both the mystery plot and the relationship plot in Wham Line hinge on grief - grief for a parent, grief for a partner, grief for something that could-have-been - and the different ways it can manifest itself: Bobby’s stoicism and desperate need to do something, his father’s silence, Indira’s emotional paralysis following her miscarriage. The mystery is solid (I think the culprit is fairly easy to identify?) and very skilfully interwoven with the other threads, but let’s face it, I’m here for the emotional crises and the Dash ‘n’ Bobby goodness, and often find myself not focusing too much on the plot. But there’s some terrific relationship growth going on here, and there are definite growing pains involved. Dash is trying really hard to be what Bobby needs, but with Bobby retreating into his old patterns of suppressing his emotions and becoming incommunicative, Dash has no idea if he’s doing the right thing. Then Bobby screws up, which leads to what I think is their first really serious fight – sending Dash back to his old pattern of getting going when the going gets tough. They do work things out – they care about each other far too much not to – but it takes some tough conversations and raw honesty, neither of which come easily to them, but the pain is worth it, and once they talk things through – and thanks to some good advice from Indira – they take a big step forward in their relationship. I love that they are willing to work at it and let themselves be vulnerable with one another.
I continue to enjoy the meta elements of these books and the way the author incorporates discussion about whatever aspects of writing, themes, genres and so on that Dash is thinking about related to his own writing and ties them so neatly to whatever is going in with him and his life at that particular point. Here, it’s a little tangent about mysteries which revolve around grief and how it affects the characters – I guess it could come off as a little info-dumpy, but the observations are always interesting and relevant, and I like them.
All in all, Wham Line is another solid entry in the series, so I’m going with a B+/4-and-a-half stars, mainly for the emotional punches and relationship development (because let’s face it, the mysteries are just the hook to hang the really interesting stuff on!).
I’m late getting to this instalment of The Last Picks – no excuses, just that I’m kinda cosied out and where I’d normally be jumping into a Gregory Ashe book the minute it landed in my inbox, I’ve been doing that less and less as the series has progressed. The silly thing is that when I do get around to reading the books I enjoy them, and while the mysteries aren’t the draw for me, the character work and interactions – my favourite things about his books – are very good indeed, and have been getting better and better as we near the end of the series. So more fool me, I suppose, for not getting stuck in right away – but I’m just not as invested in this series as I’ve been in the author’s usual more angsty, trauma-filled fare. (I miss the sex, violence, and inventive swearing, dammit!)
The last half of the series has seen the Last Picks each getting a story, and Wham Line is Indira’s. She’s always been a bit of an enigma – cool, very self-possessed, and a kind of den-mother to all of them! – so I was looking forward to getting to know a bit more about her. The book opens with the Hemlock House gang attending the opening of a new restaurant in Hasting’s Rock – but they haven’t even got as far as ordering their food when things start to go sideways and Dash watches as Indira, normally so impassive, obviously sees something that disturbs her and walks out. The gang is debating who (if anyone) should go after her; Dash is on his way when he hears a couple of loud ‘pops’ he at first thinks must be champagne corks… only to realise that they were gunshots. Following Bobby out through the kitchen and into the alley behind the restaurant, they find a body lying on the ground and a shaken Indira standing in the shadows. The man, she tells them, was her ex-husband, Mal. And she’s holding her gun.
Dun-dun-DUUUNNN!! Well, of course Indira is the number one suspect, and of course Dash is desperate to exonerate her, even though the sheriff – who is surprisingly tolerant of his getting mixed up in her investigations – warns him that he’s too close to this one and should step back. (Fat chance!)
While Dash is furiously trying to think of ways to help Indira, Bobby gets the news that his mother has died suddenly. Dash knows Bobby doesn’t have the best relationship with his parents, but is determined to be there to offer what support he can, knowing him well enough by now to know that he will try to remain stoic and that all he, Dash, can do, is be there for him and wait. Which is easier said than done, especially when Bobby seems to be withdrawing completely, insisting that he’s “fine” and clearly not wanting anything from Dash, who only wants to know how to better help him. (The meeting between Dash and Bobby’s dad and brother is quite possibly the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever read –on Goodreads, Ancientreader describes it as a “masterpiece of cringe”, which is spot on.)
So Dash finds himself pulled in two different directions, wanting to be there for both Bobby and Indira – while the real killer doesn’t seem to be satisfied with just one victim...
Both the mystery plot and the relationship plot in Wham Line hinge on grief - grief for a parent, grief for a partner, grief for something that could-have-been - and the different ways it can manifest itself: Bobby’s stoicism and desperate need to do something, his father’s silence, Indira’s emotional paralysis following her miscarriage. The mystery is solid (I think the culprit is fairly easy to identify?) and very skilfully interwoven with the other threads, but let’s face it, I’m here for the emotional crises and the Dash ‘n’ Bobby goodness, and often find myself not focusing too much on the plot. But there’s some terrific relationship growth going on here, and there are definite growing pains involved. Dash is trying really hard to be what Bobby needs, but with Bobby retreating into his old patterns of suppressing his emotions and becoming incommunicative, Dash has no idea if he’s doing the right thing. Then Bobby screws up, which leads to what I think is their first really serious fight – sending Dash back to his old pattern of getting going when the going gets tough. They do work things out – they care about each other far too much not to – but it takes some tough conversations and raw honesty, neither of which come easily to them, but the pain is worth it, and once they talk things through – and thanks to some good advice from Indira – they take a big step forward in their relationship. I love that they are willing to work at it and let themselves be vulnerable with one another.
I continue to enjoy the meta elements of these books and the way the author incorporates discussion about whatever aspects of writing, themes, genres and so on that Dash is thinking about related to his own writing and ties them so neatly to whatever is going in with him and his life at that particular point. Here, it’s a little tangent about mysteries which revolve around grief and how it affects the characters – I guess it could come off as a little info-dumpy, but the observations are always interesting and relevant, and I like them.
All in all, Wham Line is another solid entry in the series, so I’m going with a B+/4-and-a-half stars, mainly for the emotional punches and relationship development (because let’s face it, the mysteries are just the hook to hang the really interesting stuff on!).
October 12, 2025
It's so nice to have enjoyed one of these again. This isn't without its flaws, but I read over half of it today, it was that interesting. *happy sigh*
November 11, 2025
We finally get Indira’s backstory. AND…It’s as sad as we thought. 🥺🥺🥺
A new restaurant opens in Hastings Rock and Indira’s past collides with her present. A murder happens, obviously 🙄 🤣
The mystery in this one is better than the last few mysteries have been.
Bobby learns that his Mom has died. Grief is hard for Bobby. Never a big talker, Bobby struggles with all the feelings. Dash is there but they hit a rough spot. What is good about having the same characters over several books is you learn all their idiosyncrasies. Bobby makes a few mistakes here and Dash tries so hard. It’s painful. It all works out in the end but it’s dicey for a few chapters.
The true killer in this one is not really a surprise but their motive is… the person murdered,Mal was not a sympathetic figure 😬😬😬.
Taking a break from these cozy noir stories . Only because the last book comes out in December and I don’t want too much time between books. 🎄🎄
A new restaurant opens in Hastings Rock and Indira’s past collides with her present. A murder happens, obviously 🙄 🤣
The mystery in this one is better than the last few mysteries have been.
Bobby learns that his Mom has died. Grief is hard for Bobby. Never a big talker, Bobby struggles with all the feelings. Dash is there but they hit a rough spot. What is good about having the same characters over several books is you learn all their idiosyncrasies. Bobby makes a few mistakes here and Dash tries so hard. It’s painful. It all works out in the end but it’s dicey for a few chapters.
The true killer in this one is not really a surprise but their motive is… the person murdered,Mal was not a sympathetic figure 😬😬😬.
Taking a break from these cozy noir stories . Only because the last book comes out in December and I don’t want too much time between books. 🎄🎄
February 1, 2026
Indira-focused mystery, and it was nice to get to know a bit more about her history. I was a little frustrated with the way all the other last picks seemed to act as if Dash wouldn't act in Indira's best interests. The Bobby stuff was great, and while I understand how Dash's inner dialogue can start to wear, I personally find myself more frustrated with Bobby's continued inability to open up emotionally -- he makes progress, but it feels as if Dash never actually holds him accountable for his screw-ups, even when Bobby tries to.
August 9, 2025
I really loved this one! I'd have to reread the whole series to confirm (not a hardship, btw) but I think this is my second favorite so far, just behind Evil All Along.
The mystery felt a little different to me this time around, and I can't quite out my finger on why. I think it's that there were elements of it that felt a little obvious, and while one of the things I caught onto pretty early on ended up being correct, there were other bits that felt too simple for a GA book, and of course things ended up being more complicated than that (I have to remember: in GA we trust!)
I always relate to Dash, but I related to him sooooo much in this one, especially when I love that not everything is necessarily a misunderstanding of the situation, but sometimes someone's actions just don't make sense to you until you remember that not everyone thinks like you. That's the level of character depth and realism I really appreciate in GA's books, and especially in this one.
I'll be so sad when this series is over, because I adore these characters so much! Thank you as always to the author for an advanced copy of this book.
The mystery felt a little different to me this time around, and I can't quite out my finger on why. I think it's that there were elements of it that felt a little obvious, and while one of the things I caught onto pretty early on ended up being correct, there were other bits that felt too simple for a GA book, and of course things ended up being more complicated than that (I have to remember: in GA we trust!)
I always relate to Dash, but I related to him sooooo much in this one, especially when I love that not everything is necessarily a misunderstanding of the situation, but sometimes someone's actions just don't make sense to you until you remember that not everyone thinks like you. That's the level of character depth and realism I really appreciate in GA's books, and especially in this one.
I'll be so sad when this series is over, because I adore these characters so much! Thank you as always to the author for an advanced copy of this book.
August 7, 2025
Opening any of these books just feels like visiting with old friends.
Not going to lie, I was a little bit nervous about the outcome of some of the aspects in this books - No spoilers but Greg does have a history of downright torturing us with his characters!
A side note - Dash clearly needs to be teaching writing, right? I really enjoy his inner monologues whereby he ponders the psychology and philosophy of each crime and the players involved in it. It’s like he’s trying to lead the reader to the solution. It’s perfect for people like me who need a helping hand because they suspect everyone at least once, including the dog 😄
Not going to lie, I was a little bit nervous about the outcome of some of the aspects in this books - No spoilers but Greg does have a history of downright torturing us with his characters!
A side note - Dash clearly needs to be teaching writing, right? I really enjoy his inner monologues whereby he ponders the psychology and philosophy of each crime and the players involved in it. It’s like he’s trying to lead the reader to the solution. It’s perfect for people like me who need a helping hand because they suspect everyone at least once, including the dog 😄
August 20, 2025
3.5? It’s good? The writing itself, the banter, all excellent as usual. But I hit the ceiling on the cozies a while ago & we’re just coasting at this point.
August 30, 2025
Dash vs una familia que vive del silencio, el horror. El tema de este libro es el luto, es triste pero con ese humor y calidez que solo puede traer Dash.
August 31, 2025
Omg... this book was as painful as it was beautiful. I don't have a lot of words lately for reviews, but this one really hit hard.
December 2, 2025
This was really good!
Indira at last; Bobby
breaks down; Dash steps up.
Indira at last; Bobby
breaks down; Dash steps up.
August 13, 2025
With each book it's more and more perfect.
August 19, 2025
4,5 stars
January 1, 2026
4⭐️
Dash and The Last Picks attend the soft opening of the newest restaurant in Hastings Rock. Their night is full of unexpected guests, high tensions, surprising turns, and yet again, murder. When one of their own comes under suspicion, Dash has to dive into a secretive and tragic past to figure out what happened and hopefully save his friend from taking the fall.
Bobby and Dash were so close! In typical Ashe fashion it's a few steps forward, then a few steps back. Bobby has a personal tragedy occur at the same time the investigation begins - I literally gasped out loud when it happened because I just didn't see it coming. It was a little frustrating knowing how far they've come to have this bump in the road, but that's life. The one thing you can't doubt is their love for each other, and it's that love and intention that pushes them to overcome their hesitations and be there for the other person. Dash is so compassionate and I love how he tries his hardest to be there for Bobby even if it's difficult. Bobby is drowning in his grief, he makes mistakes, but he's eventually able to realize how his hurt is hurting others and puts to work everything he's learned so far about sharing his feelings to make up for it. Dash is there for him when he needs him the most, and they are able to help each other through this difficult time with care and tenderness.
When Dash is discussing his writing, it gave me some weird personal breakthroughs about Life and stuff, so that's always a fun moment when it happens while reading. I love Dash as a mystery writer having this immense knowledge of the mystery genre, and whenever he's discussing the techniques and stories it's always so interesting, even if it is a bit of an aside. I feel like I'm learning a lot and it's inspiring me some to go watch and read the classics.
Following the pattern of the last few books, this story delves into Indira and her past which up until now has been kept under wraps. This might be a hot take, but Indira felt a bit condescending with her grief. She came across like she's the only person to ever experience this type of loss and her way is the way everyone experiences it. She also kind of used it as an excuse for her actions. And I understand grief is complicated and nuanced, but I don't think she understands that. It didn't endear me to her at all, but I did appreciate how it helped Dash get some perspective on what Bobby was going through and how to be there for him. He knew what to do, but needed a bit of a push as usual.
While the characters were little exasperating at times, I was also living for the drama. The case was personal and while I could guess some aspects of it, others were fun twists. I also appreciated how it reflected the trouble that Bobby and Dash were going through as well, providing insight and support for them. I'm a bit in denial that the series is close to its end. I really adore these characters and this town and I could easily keep reading. However there are still more crimes for Dash & Co. to solve yet, so here we go onto the next!
TL;DR: I liked it, the personal drama kept it interesting and it was really fast paced but Indira irked me
Read if you like:
• cozy mystery
• found family
• friends to lovers
•••••••••••••••••••••
Dash and The Last Picks attend the soft opening of the newest restaurant in Hastings Rock. Their night is full of unexpected guests, high tensions, surprising turns, and yet again, murder. When one of their own comes under suspicion, Dash has to dive into a secretive and tragic past to figure out what happened and hopefully save his friend from taking the fall.
Bobby and Dash were so close! In typical Ashe fashion it's a few steps forward, then a few steps back. Bobby has a personal tragedy occur at the same time the investigation begins - I literally gasped out loud when it happened because I just didn't see it coming. It was a little frustrating knowing how far they've come to have this bump in the road, but that's life. The one thing you can't doubt is their love for each other, and it's that love and intention that pushes them to overcome their hesitations and be there for the other person. Dash is so compassionate and I love how he tries his hardest to be there for Bobby even if it's difficult. Bobby is drowning in his grief, he makes mistakes, but he's eventually able to realize how his hurt is hurting others and puts to work everything he's learned so far about sharing his feelings to make up for it. Dash is there for him when he needs him the most, and they are able to help each other through this difficult time with care and tenderness.
When Dash is discussing his writing, it gave me some weird personal breakthroughs about Life and stuff, so that's always a fun moment when it happens while reading. I love Dash as a mystery writer having this immense knowledge of the mystery genre, and whenever he's discussing the techniques and stories it's always so interesting, even if it is a bit of an aside. I feel like I'm learning a lot and it's inspiring me some to go watch and read the classics.
Following the pattern of the last few books, this story delves into Indira and her past which up until now has been kept under wraps. This might be a hot take, but Indira felt a bit condescending with her grief. She came across like she's the only person to ever experience this type of loss and her way is the way everyone experiences it. She also kind of used it as an excuse for her actions. And I understand grief is complicated and nuanced, but I don't think she understands that. It didn't endear me to her at all, but I did appreciate how it helped Dash get some perspective on what Bobby was going through and how to be there for him. He knew what to do, but needed a bit of a push as usual.
While the characters were little exasperating at times, I was also living for the drama. The case was personal and while I could guess some aspects of it, others were fun twists. I also appreciated how it reflected the trouble that Bobby and Dash were going through as well, providing insight and support for them. I'm a bit in denial that the series is close to its end. I really adore these characters and this town and I could easily keep reading. However there are still more crimes for Dash & Co. to solve yet, so here we go onto the next!
TL;DR: I liked it, the personal drama kept it interesting and it was really fast paced but Indira irked me
Read if you like:
• cozy mystery
• found family
• friends to lovers
•••••••••••••••••••••
August 12, 2025
Another installment of the Last Picks! This series has been so enjoyable, but this one probably wasn’t my favourite. I think I’m in a minority on this opinion, but I’ve never been all that drawn to Indira. I know many Last Picks readers are and were really looking forward to her book, so it’s a me thing more than an author thing. Despite my personal preferences, the book was still a fun read and had some great character development.
In keeping with the cozy murder mystery genre, there is of course a murder and this time it hits close to home because Indira is the suspect! The Last Picks all rally around her, all trying to help and protect her in their own way, which was sort of awesome. And despite being specifically asked to hang back, Dash is not going to do any such thing and is his usual sleuthing little self. As always, I just love Dash. His adorableness knows no bounds.
Truthfully, these books are all about Dash and Bobby for me. The mysteries are fun, the Last Picks are delightful, but the thing that keeps me turning the pages is this relationship. I love Dash and Bobby as individual characters, and I adore them together. This one was a bumpy ride for these two. Bobby has a family loss, and he doesn’t handle it all that well. Dash is desperately trying to be there for him, wanting to be as perfect as boyfriend can be with lots of worrying about not doing it perfectly enough. At turns painful and lovely, they muddle their way through.
There are other forms of grief and reflections on grief throughout the book, some of which really worked for me and some of which left me wanting more than could be offered in a relatively short cozy. As always, there is great humour, some profound moments of human experience, and fantastic dialogue. And, as another commenter (hey, ancientreader) noted, the scene where Dash meets Bobby’s dad and brother was “a masterpiece of cringe.” So brilliant and so, so, SO awful at the same time. Oh, GA. Never change.
Note: Thanks to GA for the ARC!
In keeping with the cozy murder mystery genre, there is of course a murder and this time it hits close to home because Indira is the suspect! The Last Picks all rally around her, all trying to help and protect her in their own way, which was sort of awesome. And despite being specifically asked to hang back, Dash is not going to do any such thing and is his usual sleuthing little self. As always, I just love Dash. His adorableness knows no bounds.
Truthfully, these books are all about Dash and Bobby for me. The mysteries are fun, the Last Picks are delightful, but the thing that keeps me turning the pages is this relationship. I love Dash and Bobby as individual characters, and I adore them together. This one was a bumpy ride for these two. Bobby has a family loss, and he doesn’t handle it all that well. Dash is desperately trying to be there for him, wanting to be as perfect as boyfriend can be with lots of worrying about not doing it perfectly enough. At turns painful and lovely, they muddle their way through.
There are other forms of grief and reflections on grief throughout the book, some of which really worked for me and some of which left me wanting more than could be offered in a relatively short cozy. As always, there is great humour, some profound moments of human experience, and fantastic dialogue. And, as another commenter (hey, ancientreader) noted, the scene where Dash meets Bobby’s dad and brother was “a masterpiece of cringe.” So brilliant and so, so, SO awful at the same time. Oh, GA. Never change.
Note: Thanks to GA for the ARC!
January 1, 2026
Wham Line (The Last Picks Book 10)
BY Gregory Ashe
Published by Hodgkin & Blount, 2025
Gregory Ashe is such a good character writer, and yet somehow I had missed this entire series of whodunnit novels—a fact I only realized when I was well into this book. “Wham Line” is number 10 in the series, and I liked it so much I decided I better start reading the entire series.
But back to this. It speaks well of Ashe’s story-telling that you can drop into the weird universe of Hasting’s Rock, Oregon, and not feel too lost for too long. Dashiel (‘just Dash’) Dane and his friends are going out to dinner at the soft opening of the soon-to-be hottest new restaurant in town. To readers who know the books, the characters are all familiar, but I had lots of questions at first. It’s a mixed bag of friends—Dash himself is, thirty-ish? But his crew ranges from teenaged (Keme and Millie) to middle-aged (Indira and Fox) and I was fascinated and a bit mystified.
I also didn’t know what the “wham line” of the title meant. Now I think I know—the line in a script that entirely changes the direction and/or tone of the plot. I suspect, going forward with this series, that it will be a recurring motif.
Dash Dane is a very Gregory Ashe kind of character—smart, competent, and yet somehow broken to the point that he makes bad choices and screws up more than he ought. In Ashe’s darker work, this can get distressing; but this series has a sort of comedic slant that keeps things from getting too upsetting, even when everything seems to be going wrong. Dane is frustrating, but ultimately endearing. Even when serious subjects are raised, the tone stays light. There are many emotions to enjoy in a book like this.
I don’t know if a book with more than one murder is supposed to be this much fun, but there you are. By the end, I was desperate to go back to book one (Mystery Magnet) and get the full story right from the start.
BY Gregory Ashe
Published by Hodgkin & Blount, 2025
Gregory Ashe is such a good character writer, and yet somehow I had missed this entire series of whodunnit novels—a fact I only realized when I was well into this book. “Wham Line” is number 10 in the series, and I liked it so much I decided I better start reading the entire series.
But back to this. It speaks well of Ashe’s story-telling that you can drop into the weird universe of Hasting’s Rock, Oregon, and not feel too lost for too long. Dashiel (‘just Dash’) Dane and his friends are going out to dinner at the soft opening of the soon-to-be hottest new restaurant in town. To readers who know the books, the characters are all familiar, but I had lots of questions at first. It’s a mixed bag of friends—Dash himself is, thirty-ish? But his crew ranges from teenaged (Keme and Millie) to middle-aged (Indira and Fox) and I was fascinated and a bit mystified.
I also didn’t know what the “wham line” of the title meant. Now I think I know—the line in a script that entirely changes the direction and/or tone of the plot. I suspect, going forward with this series, that it will be a recurring motif.
Dash Dane is a very Gregory Ashe kind of character—smart, competent, and yet somehow broken to the point that he makes bad choices and screws up more than he ought. In Ashe’s darker work, this can get distressing; but this series has a sort of comedic slant that keeps things from getting too upsetting, even when everything seems to be going wrong. Dane is frustrating, but ultimately endearing. Even when serious subjects are raised, the tone stays light. There are many emotions to enjoy in a book like this.
I don’t know if a book with more than one murder is supposed to be this much fun, but there you are. By the end, I was desperate to go back to book one (Mystery Magnet) and get the full story right from the start.
January 30, 2026
The series started off quite cozy and quirky, however the last couple books have grown much darker and more emotional in a way that I don't like. I understand that it's what the author is known for and probably what he likes writing best. I've seen many reviews praising the new direction for the series. I am not one of them. I liked the cozy vibe and the cute setting and the quirky characters.
I think it's totally possible to write a cozy mystery that covers a topic like grief, however this book got a little too deep and dark for my liking. I just don't really understand the change. Suddenly the last few books have focused more on the trauma of the characters and the toxicity of their relationships more than the mystery. It's like the only way Ashe can develop deep characters is by displaying their traumas. That feels lazy to me. We as people are more than that. I think maybe one of the reasons that this feels so unnatural is because most of the characters have had very surface level personalities thus far and then the only emotional depth we glean from them comes from this new trauma dumping. It's also funny that they've all been in a row. It does not feel well planned out to me.
I also really disliked the fight between Bobby and Dash. I understand that all feelings are valid and such, but if someone yelled at me like that over literally nothing I would be way more upset and we would have way more to figure out. It also just seems really silly whenever they fight in this series because they usually have some huge shouting match and then afterwards they perfectly fix everything using perfect therapy language. It's like, if you had this therapy-level understanding of your relationship you wouldn't be fighting like that in the first place, would you? Maybe I'm naïve, I don't know.
Anyways, I'll probably be finishing the series since I'm at 10 out of 12.
I think it's totally possible to write a cozy mystery that covers a topic like grief, however this book got a little too deep and dark for my liking. I just don't really understand the change. Suddenly the last few books have focused more on the trauma of the characters and the toxicity of their relationships more than the mystery. It's like the only way Ashe can develop deep characters is by displaying their traumas. That feels lazy to me. We as people are more than that. I think maybe one of the reasons that this feels so unnatural is because most of the characters have had very surface level personalities thus far and then the only emotional depth we glean from them comes from this new trauma dumping. It's also funny that they've all been in a row. It does not feel well planned out to me.
I also really disliked the fight between Bobby and Dash. I understand that all feelings are valid and such, but if someone yelled at me like that over literally nothing I would be way more upset and we would have way more to figure out. It also just seems really silly whenever they fight in this series because they usually have some huge shouting match and then afterwards they perfectly fix everything using perfect therapy language. It's like, if you had this therapy-level understanding of your relationship you wouldn't be fighting like that in the first place, would you? Maybe I'm naïve, I don't know.
Anyways, I'll probably be finishing the series since I'm at 10 out of 12.
August 11, 2025
I think this is, hands down, the best book in this series. We have the mystery, of course, but also not one but two personal crises. Indira's ex-husband is killed, and she's the main suspect. And Bobby's mom dies.
These two facts lead us to a deep immersion in the multiple forms grief can take, how we can feel stunned and depondent, and still be so filled with unformed anger that it can (and will) jump with no prompt.
We see many types and many ways of grieving here. Yes, there is the obvious one: Bobby and his desperate need to do something, anything. And then, we're witness to Indira's memories, to her paralysing pain after her miscarriage and her need to hide from the world. Keme's emerges as anger, Bobby's dad as silence. We all deal with it in different ways; this is the reason behind our sense of impotence when we're trying to help and our sense of isolation when we're the ones grieving.
Ashe's mastery at portraying emotional trauma and raw emotions comes as no surprise, but this time it hits truly close to home for me, so there is that, too.
Maybe that's why I loved this book so much. But if you're here for the mystery, you won't be disappointed, because it's great. I found the guilty party at the same time Dash did, after a lot of fumbling around with the most unlikely suspects. And yes, this person is grieving, too.
Recommended, with all my battered heart.
These two facts lead us to a deep immersion in the multiple forms grief can take, how we can feel stunned and depondent, and still be so filled with unformed anger that it can (and will) jump with no prompt.
We see many types and many ways of grieving here. Yes, there is the obvious one: Bobby and his desperate need to do something, anything. And then, we're witness to Indira's memories, to her paralysing pain after her miscarriage and her need to hide from the world. Keme's emerges as anger, Bobby's dad as silence. We all deal with it in different ways; this is the reason behind our sense of impotence when we're trying to help and our sense of isolation when we're the ones grieving.
Ashe's mastery at portraying emotional trauma and raw emotions comes as no surprise, but this time it hits truly close to home for me, so there is that, too.
Maybe that's why I loved this book so much. But if you're here for the mystery, you won't be disappointed, because it's great. I found the guilty party at the same time Dash did, after a lot of fumbling around with the most unlikely suspects. And yes, this person is grieving, too.
Recommended, with all my battered heart.
August 5, 2025
Who else can make you laugh out loud and cry in the same paragraph?
This episode of the Last Picks deals with grief and if you're familiar with GA's other work (namely his Hazardverse books) you'll know and love how amazing he is at dissecting, analysing and most of all making you feel every aspect of a given theme. His writing is so empathetic it's just impossible not to feel what the characters are feeling.
Grief takes many forms in this novel : death of a parent, miscarriage, rejection, medical diagnosis... While most of these happened in the past, we get to see how they still affect the characters. For having gone through something similar myself, I can truly appreciate how right GA is getting it. Many times, I felt like I was reading my own experiences. There's this beautiful rawness and truth that we love about GA's best writing.
That said, this is still a cozy. The minute you pick up the book you know you're in your safe space, among friends. It's like comfort food. You just know you're in good hands and you will have a great time. I laughed out loud so many times. Some bits are just hilarious. There's a wonderful lightness to Dash's voice that just cracks me up.
I can't overstate what a fantastic book that is. This series keeps getting better and better.
This episode of the Last Picks deals with grief and if you're familiar with GA's other work (namely his Hazardverse books) you'll know and love how amazing he is at dissecting, analysing and most of all making you feel every aspect of a given theme. His writing is so empathetic it's just impossible not to feel what the characters are feeling.
Grief takes many forms in this novel : death of a parent, miscarriage, rejection, medical diagnosis... While most of these happened in the past, we get to see how they still affect the characters. For having gone through something similar myself, I can truly appreciate how right GA is getting it. Many times, I felt like I was reading my own experiences. There's this beautiful rawness and truth that we love about GA's best writing.
That said, this is still a cozy. The minute you pick up the book you know you're in your safe space, among friends. It's like comfort food. You just know you're in good hands and you will have a great time. I laughed out loud so many times. Some bits are just hilarious. There's a wonderful lightness to Dash's voice that just cracks me up.
I can't overstate what a fantastic book that is. This series keeps getting better and better.
August 18, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Wham Line is the 10th book in Gregory Ashe’s Last Picks series and I am continuing to really enjoy these books. One of the things I’ve particularly loved in this later part of the series is the focus of the books on different members of the last picks gang. Indira has always been such an interesting character, and the fact that she is both the group mother, but also so private about her own life, has made her very intriguing. So I really liked the chance to learn more of her story here and I think Ashe does a great job helping us get to know her a little more. I found the mystery to be interesting and it comes together well. With the split focus between the murder plot and the situation with Bobby, the mystery is not quite as front and center as in some of the other books, but I do feel like it resolves nicely.
I am having so much fun with this series and these characters. Even ten books in, I find myself still engaged and invested and I am loving exploring these folks throughout the series. I can’t wait for more!
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Wham Line is the 10th book in Gregory Ashe’s Last Picks series and I am continuing to really enjoy these books. One of the things I’ve particularly loved in this later part of the series is the focus of the books on different members of the last picks gang. Indira has always been such an interesting character, and the fact that she is both the group mother, but also so private about her own life, has made her very intriguing. So I really liked the chance to learn more of her story here and I think Ashe does a great job helping us get to know her a little more. I found the mystery to be interesting and it comes together well. With the split focus between the murder plot and the situation with Bobby, the mystery is not quite as front and center as in some of the other books, but I do feel like it resolves nicely.
I am having so much fun with this series and these characters. Even ten books in, I find myself still engaged and invested and I am loving exploring these folks throughout the series. I can’t wait for more!
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 18, 2025
Wham Line is the next entry in Gregory Ashe’s The Last Pick series, and this time the focus shifts to Indira. When her estranged ex-husband Mal suddenly returns to town and opens a restaurant, it sets the stage for conflict—only for him to be killed after just a few pages, and Indira is the main suspect.. I found myself feeling a little cheated with Wham Line. With Mal barely present before his death and such conflicting accounts of his personality—beloved visionary to some, greedy shark to others—it was hard to get a clear read on him or to really invest in Indira’s backstory.
What kept me engaged, though, was the ongoing thread with Dash and Bobby. Bobby is grieving the sudden loss of his mother, and Ashe handles the tenderness and awkwardness of grief beautifully. Watching Dash struggle (and stumble) to figure out how to support Bobby while their relationship deepens was easily the strongest part of the book for me.
Overall, this isn’t the standout of the series—it feels more like a bridge, filling in backstory and laying groundwork for the finale—but it still delivers Ashe’s signature strength: layered characters who grow in real and meaningful ways
Thank you, as always, to the author for an ARC of this book.
What kept me engaged, though, was the ongoing thread with Dash and Bobby. Bobby is grieving the sudden loss of his mother, and Ashe handles the tenderness and awkwardness of grief beautifully. Watching Dash struggle (and stumble) to figure out how to support Bobby while their relationship deepens was easily the strongest part of the book for me.
Overall, this isn’t the standout of the series—it feels more like a bridge, filling in backstory and laying groundwork for the finale—but it still delivers Ashe’s signature strength: layered characters who grow in real and meaningful ways
Thank you, as always, to the author for an ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
This book hit particularly close to home, and gave me all the deep feels that serve as a reminder that we're all human, and we're not alone.
Indria (who is my favorite Last Picks character) is forced to peel back her walls in order to help solve a crime she's suspected of doing. Life with her rotten ex husband, Mal, left more than a few wounds that she's still healing from today. It drives her protective nature, and almost costs her her freedom.
But Dash, Bobby, and the Last Picks don't stand for it. They know Indria is innocent of killing Mal and won't let her past pains allow her to jump on the sword.
Problem is, there's so many people with reason to kill Mal that it might take too long to wade through it before they cuff Indria for good.
As if that isn't stressful enough, Bobby's mother unexpectedly passes away and Dash has to watch Bobby fade into grief into he's barely recognizable. It's a classic lesson of love isn't always enough to help someone. Sometimes only time can do that. And it doesn't mean you're failing, or not trying. (But it's also okay to panic about that for a minute because, duh, you love them)
As always, another masterclass in character development and weaving a mystery into the emotional makeup of the players on stage!
Indria (who is my favorite Last Picks character) is forced to peel back her walls in order to help solve a crime she's suspected of doing. Life with her rotten ex husband, Mal, left more than a few wounds that she's still healing from today. It drives her protective nature, and almost costs her her freedom.
But Dash, Bobby, and the Last Picks don't stand for it. They know Indria is innocent of killing Mal and won't let her past pains allow her to jump on the sword.
Problem is, there's so many people with reason to kill Mal that it might take too long to wade through it before they cuff Indria for good.
As if that isn't stressful enough, Bobby's mother unexpectedly passes away and Dash has to watch Bobby fade into grief into he's barely recognizable. It's a classic lesson of love isn't always enough to help someone. Sometimes only time can do that. And it doesn't mean you're failing, or not trying. (But it's also okay to panic about that for a minute because, duh, you love them)
As always, another masterclass in character development and weaving a mystery into the emotional makeup of the players on stage!
August 18, 2025
Book 10 of 12. Every book details more and more background of each Last Pick. Plus a Mystery to solve. The way Gregory Ashe has crafted the dialogue and emotions of every character is a true sign of his genius. This book involves grief in all it's various ways...no one can grieve the same, but there is empathy. However for Dash, it just ramps up his anxieties with/about Bobby when he tries to do the good boyfriend routine. Good thing there is a MURDER to keep his mind from spiraling...well kinda. Even though Indira is the main suspect in the eyes of the police, she still manages to give Dash good advice, and a great hug! One of the running jokes throughout all these books is the fact that Dash solves the murder mystery but NEVER gets to explain how......for example without giving anything away " Are you freaking kidding me?" I (Dash) asked. I took a breath. "Never mind. It doesn't matter. Yes, you---"
"Oh my God," Nalini said. "Jethro, you're so smart. You really are a detective!"
"Seriously? HE'S so smart? I'm in the middle of explaining------"
It just continues on from there.
I love these books- Start at 1, you won't be disappointed.
"Oh my God," Nalini said. "Jethro, you're so smart. You really are a detective!"
"Seriously? HE'S so smart? I'm in the middle of explaining------"
It just continues on from there.
I love these books- Start at 1, you won't be disappointed.
February 1, 2026
The last couple of books in the Last Picks series have focused on different members of the group. Wham Line is Indira’s book. Indira has always been a somewhat mysterious character. Events early on force Indira to divulge information about her past that she has kept hidden. When adversity hits, their found family jumps into action to protect one of its own. The focus on Indira doesn’t mean there has been no development in Dash and Bobby’s relationship. Dash has finally finished his book. Because he didn’t want his success to rely on the success of his parents he used a pen name. Unfortunately, this comes at a cost. Dash and Bobby’s relationship seems to be on the right track as well even though Dash needs reassurances that he is a good boyfriend. I enjoyed his internal dialog about what a good boyfriend would do in certain situations. Events in the book and basically a lack of communication between the two does put a strain on their relationship though. I really enjoy this series. The books are filled with mystery, humor, and all the feels. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
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