What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Picks #11
Script Swap
They say the show must go on. Thank goodness for intermission.
Dashiell Dawson Dane isn’t thrilled that a new play at the community theater is based (however loosely) on his life. But when Dash’s friend Fox asks him to attend opening night, things take a strange the actor playing Dash’s role seems to have been given a different script. Even stranger, the new lines trigger a bizarre response from the rest of the cast and crew—right before the lights go out and the box office is robbed.
At Fox’s request, Dash agrees to investigate, but he’s surprised to discover that everyone at the theater seems more preoccupied with the altered (and now missing) script than with the robbery. And when one of the actors is murdered in what appears to be a burglary gone wrong, Dash is sure there’s something much darker afoot.
But someone is determined to keep the truth from coming out, and Dash will have to navigate aging starlets, a disgruntled custodian, and a reclusive stage manager—among others—to catch the killer before they can strike again.
Dashiell Dawson Dane isn’t thrilled that a new play at the community theater is based (however loosely) on his life. But when Dash’s friend Fox asks him to attend opening night, things take a strange the actor playing Dash’s role seems to have been given a different script. Even stranger, the new lines trigger a bizarre response from the rest of the cast and crew—right before the lights go out and the box office is robbed.
At Fox’s request, Dash agrees to investigate, but he’s surprised to discover that everyone at the theater seems more preoccupied with the altered (and now missing) script than with the robbery. And when one of the actors is murdered in what appears to be a burglary gone wrong, Dash is sure there’s something much darker afoot.
But someone is determined to keep the truth from coming out, and Dash will have to navigate aging starlets, a disgruntled custodian, and a reclusive stage manager—among others—to catch the killer before they can strike again.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2025
41 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
133 books1,773 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 12, 2025
I don’t know what officially defines a cozy mystery, but I think this should be it. Like therapy sessions that I didn’t seek out, but that just so happened to find their way to me when I needed them most. An emotional unraveling, followed by the most comforting, heartfelt hug that also leaves me a little wistful.
Even in the chaotic midst of death and theatrical mayhem, GA never ceases to be exceptional at confronting the raw realities that many of us face in one form or another. He’s an author whom I admire greatly for how in touch he is with the human experience in all its ups and downs, and his ability to translate the hazy, nebulous feelings into the written word.
Dash and Bobby undeniably took center stage but not without reason. Dash’s inner turmoils with his self-worth, his writing, his confidence rear their ugly head with craggy edges, and his struggles become ours, a heavy weight at the pit of my stomach. Which made each step toward acceptance all the more cathartic. Consider picking this up when you find yourself caught under the heavy waves of self-doubt.
Out of all the Last Picks, I’d say Fox has had the least revealed about them in their respective book - hopefully we’ll catch more glimpses in the future - but this has turned out to be one of my favorites of the series. I’m primed and ready for Retool to blow me away as GA closes this Hastings Rock chapter.
—————pre-release thoughts—————
Scheduled to drop on October 6, 2025, it’s Fox’s book!
Community theater, you say?? The perfect setting for quirky small-town shenanigans and for Fox to shine in their utmost glory. The premise described in the blurb also has me chuckling - with all the murders Dash has gotten wrapped up in (and solved), I had to wonder to what extent he’s become a bit of a local celebrity/legend/myth to the broader public. I’m sure the attention makes him feel soooo comfortable 😂
Even in the chaotic midst of death and theatrical mayhem, GA never ceases to be exceptional at confronting the raw realities that many of us face in one form or another. He’s an author whom I admire greatly for how in touch he is with the human experience in all its ups and downs, and his ability to translate the hazy, nebulous feelings into the written word.
Dash and Bobby undeniably took center stage but not without reason. Dash’s inner turmoils with his self-worth, his writing, his confidence rear their ugly head with craggy edges, and his struggles become ours, a heavy weight at the pit of my stomach. Which made each step toward acceptance all the more cathartic. Consider picking this up when you find yourself caught under the heavy waves of self-doubt.
Out of all the Last Picks, I’d say Fox has had the least revealed about them in their respective book - hopefully we’ll catch more glimpses in the future - but this has turned out to be one of my favorites of the series. I’m primed and ready for Retool to blow me away as GA closes this Hastings Rock chapter.
—————pre-release thoughts—————
Scheduled to drop on October 6, 2025, it’s Fox’s book!
Community theater, you say?? The perfect setting for quirky small-town shenanigans and for Fox to shine in their utmost glory. The premise described in the blurb also has me chuckling - with all the murders Dash has gotten wrapped up in (and solved), I had to wonder to what extent he’s become a bit of a local celebrity/legend/myth to the broader public. I’m sure the attention makes him feel soooo comfortable 😂
October 12, 2025
5 stars for a late-stage cozy, who even am I anymore??
Maybe I'm just in a weird headspace, but this really hit. The way that, in creative industries particularly, professional rejection feels even more searing and, well, personal than personal rejection; Dash's frantic self-improvement campaign masking his burnout, fear, and sheer sadness; Bobby's tentative, touching effort to fix things both to show his love but also to push away his own grief. I've never thought much about Fox one way or the other -- they are often either overly petty or overly ridiculous -- but the convo between Dash and Fox in the van was really touching. And the Dash-Bobby stuff was excellent. Feels like GA is finally hitting a deeper level with these characters now that we're nearing the end.
Also helped that the rest of the LPs were pretty absent and, when on-page, pretty toned down -- more like friends than gimmicks.
The mystery was, per usual, shrug, but the emotional beats landed.
I got an ARC from the author, disclaimer disclaimer.
Maybe I'm just in a weird headspace, but this really hit. The way that, in creative industries particularly, professional rejection feels even more searing and, well, personal than personal rejection; Dash's frantic self-improvement campaign masking his burnout, fear, and sheer sadness; Bobby's tentative, touching effort to fix things both to show his love but also to push away his own grief. I've never thought much about Fox one way or the other -- they are often either overly petty or overly ridiculous -- but the convo between Dash and Fox in the van was really touching. And the Dash-Bobby stuff was excellent. Feels like GA is finally hitting a deeper level with these characters now that we're nearing the end.
Also helped that the rest of the LPs were pretty absent and, when on-page, pretty toned down -- more like friends than gimmicks.
The mystery was, per usual, shrug, but the emotional beats landed.
I got an ARC from the author, disclaimer disclaimer.
October 6, 2025
I know we shouldn’t have favourites. And I know it’s even harder when there are SO many adventures to choose from. But this book is my fav in the series (so far).
Wrapping up a book in this series has often come with mixed feelings. But this time around, I’m not angry with Dash, or Keme, or - BOBBY (I am STILL not over that phone call he made in the last book…STILL), or anyone. There is a raw, real, and vivid vulnerability on display that was beautiful. And folks actually worked through some challenging life stuff with competence (not backsliding with phone calls…STILL NOT OVER THAT) which was sooo good to read. I was cheering out loud at one point.
And the sizable subtext about imposter syndrome, shame/fear, self-worth, and actualization (Fox, god love ‘em, is the Brene Brown of the Last Picks) had this reader way down in the feels. Brilliant writing.
5* with an explosive comet as a bonus. That is how much I loved this book. Thank you, Greg.
Wrapping up a book in this series has often come with mixed feelings. But this time around, I’m not angry with Dash, or Keme, or - BOBBY (I am STILL not over that phone call he made in the last book…STILL), or anyone. There is a raw, real, and vivid vulnerability on display that was beautiful. And folks actually worked through some challenging life stuff with competence (not backsliding with phone calls…STILL NOT OVER THAT) which was sooo good to read. I was cheering out loud at one point.
And the sizable subtext about imposter syndrome, shame/fear, self-worth, and actualization (Fox, god love ‘em, is the Brene Brown of the Last Picks) had this reader way down in the feels. Brilliant writing.
5* with an explosive comet as a bonus. That is how much I loved this book. Thank you, Greg.
October 28, 2025
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
I'd say that's a pretty decent way to sum up Dash's role in just about every storyline. 🥲 For there is not much of a change in the predictable pattern in which the plot unfolds. - murder, mystery, writing, Bobby, relationship. But, if I've made it this far, there really is no need for any bitterness or reproach in my words, so I will try to keep it down to a bare minimum.
I did feel bad for Kyson; he was undeserving of it, and I'm surprised it wasn't touched upon more. 🙎🏻♀️ As the expression goes, idher udher ki gale ie here and there, wasted time and prolonged the story, while exhaustive inner rambles deflected from the actual mystery. I was happy to see less of the last picks; it was a welcome relief that allowed me to appreciate more of Fox's quiet temperament.
“Yes, well, what is wallpaper but the backdrop against which we live our lives?”
The heart-to-heart in the van between Fox and Dash was a favorite moment. I liked Fox's honesty and how their words hit hard with how he made him see the light, so to speak. 🥺 It was a meaningful conversation, complete with his dry wit but subtle heart, that even left me with a more lucid view on Dash's inner struggles; I slightly understand where he's coming from. Only took me eleven books, but, hey, better late than never.
The investigation into the Script Swap was not as well-fleshed out as it could have been. 🎭 The clues did not align, the surprises felt forced, and I did not even feel that Dash was as invested in it as much as he usually would be. It had the usual slew of his inadvertent ability to land in precarious situations, but I was not even that curious to solve it. 😮💨
“Every time I went into that place inside myself, I was looking for what it meant to care about someone, to love someone, to be in love. But you weren’t in a book. You were here. And I found you.”
I know one might feel that Bobby and Dash seem to be going around in circles and creating meaningless conflicts between them. But as one who has never been in a relationship, I think these hurdles and discussions are important to bridge the divide threatening them. 😢 Bobby was being helpful and maybe Dash was being too judgmental, so I understood where these feelings of care were coming from.
Their honesty and affection in just talking it out and being supportive of their own vulnerabilities and faults was sweet to see. the changes they're afraid to think about, the future that seems less of an impossibility, but a wishful desire. It gave me more of the warm fuzzies than I was expecting to see their love for each other feel stronger than ever. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“I mostly solve mysteries by blundering around until the killer shows up and tries to kill me.”
I'd say that's a pretty decent way to sum up Dash's role in just about every storyline. 🥲 For there is not much of a change in the predictable pattern in which the plot unfolds. - murder, mystery, writing, Bobby, relationship. But, if I've made it this far, there really is no need for any bitterness or reproach in my words, so I will try to keep it down to a bare minimum.
I did feel bad for Kyson; he was undeserving of it, and I'm surprised it wasn't touched upon more. 🙎🏻♀️ As the expression goes, idher udher ki gale ie here and there, wasted time and prolonged the story, while exhaustive inner rambles deflected from the actual mystery. I was happy to see less of the last picks; it was a welcome relief that allowed me to appreciate more of Fox's quiet temperament.
“Yes, well, what is wallpaper but the backdrop against which we live our lives?”
The heart-to-heart in the van between Fox and Dash was a favorite moment. I liked Fox's honesty and how their words hit hard with how he made him see the light, so to speak. 🥺 It was a meaningful conversation, complete with his dry wit but subtle heart, that even left me with a more lucid view on Dash's inner struggles; I slightly understand where he's coming from. Only took me eleven books, but, hey, better late than never.
The investigation into the Script Swap was not as well-fleshed out as it could have been. 🎭 The clues did not align, the surprises felt forced, and I did not even feel that Dash was as invested in it as much as he usually would be. It had the usual slew of his inadvertent ability to land in precarious situations, but I was not even that curious to solve it. 😮💨
“Every time I went into that place inside myself, I was looking for what it meant to care about someone, to love someone, to be in love. But you weren’t in a book. You were here. And I found you.”
I know one might feel that Bobby and Dash seem to be going around in circles and creating meaningless conflicts between them. But as one who has never been in a relationship, I think these hurdles and discussions are important to bridge the divide threatening them. 😢 Bobby was being helpful and maybe Dash was being too judgmental, so I understood where these feelings of care were coming from.
Their honesty and affection in just talking it out and being supportive of their own vulnerabilities and faults was sweet to see. the changes they're afraid to think about, the future that seems less of an impossibility, but a wishful desire. It gave me more of the warm fuzzies than I was expecting to see their love for each other feel stronger than ever. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
October 6, 2025
Ok I fully skimmed basically the first half of this one, plus anything that has to do with the mystery, bc I just do not care about them & for that first half I thought this book was going to be as irritating as the first few, especially since that section was Fox heavy & I actually think they are my least favorite of the last picks. However: the conversation Dash FINALLY REALLY has with Bobby was so good & made me cry & I am so glad this was all hashed out in the penultimate book. Also, this book has some really interesting things to say about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing (obviously something very personal to GA), & the convo btwn Fox & Dash about art & being an artist & what you need to sacrifice & why it’s worth it- also made me cry. GA just sneaking in beautiful ideas into a book I almost gave up on! That being said, thank god there is only one more of these. 😂
October 5, 2025
By the time we reach the 11th book you’d think that Gregory Ashe might start running out of steam but somehow, once again, this one manages to feel fresh and familiar in all the right ways.
This book features Fox in more of a central role and surprise, surprise ..is set against the backdrop of a murder at a theatre (where, naturally, only foxes gather - is that the saying ? Did I make that up?! I’ll never know.)
As always , the mystery is quirky and the characters are full of charm.
Dash continues to be Dash, in the most loving way, however his relationship with Bobby continues to be layered . There’s tension but it’s not drama for the sake of drama kind. It’s beautifully written insecurity and both Dash and Bobby navigating their self-worth in ways that feel painfully human. (and one of the things that I love most about Gregs writing).
Dash is still grappling with his recent rejections which brings a quietly heartbreaking thread to this particular book. His doubts are palpable and I loved how the narrative gave space to that kind of creative vulnerability.
And can we talk about Bobby? He continues to be a soft blanket of support and emotional steadiness , in my eyes, the real MVP of this little gang and particularly to Dash.
All said , while this is "Fox’s book" in theory, I did find myself wishing we got a bit more of their backstory. Unlike other character focused installments in the series, this one skimmed the surface a little more than I expected. I still have questions and hope that maybe, just maybe, we’ll circle back to Fox in the final book?
In summary, a thoroughly enjoyable addition, and if you’ve made it this far in the series, you’ll find plenty to love about this one.
This book features Fox in more of a central role and surprise, surprise ..is set against the backdrop of a murder at a theatre (where, naturally, only foxes gather - is that the saying ? Did I make that up?! I’ll never know.)
As always , the mystery is quirky and the characters are full of charm.
Dash continues to be Dash, in the most loving way, however his relationship with Bobby continues to be layered . There’s tension but it’s not drama for the sake of drama kind. It’s beautifully written insecurity and both Dash and Bobby navigating their self-worth in ways that feel painfully human. (and one of the things that I love most about Gregs writing).
Dash is still grappling with his recent rejections which brings a quietly heartbreaking thread to this particular book. His doubts are palpable and I loved how the narrative gave space to that kind of creative vulnerability.
And can we talk about Bobby? He continues to be a soft blanket of support and emotional steadiness , in my eyes, the real MVP of this little gang and particularly to Dash.
All said , while this is "Fox’s book" in theory, I did find myself wishing we got a bit more of their backstory. Unlike other character focused installments in the series, this one skimmed the surface a little more than I expected. I still have questions and hope that maybe, just maybe, we’ll circle back to Fox in the final book?
In summary, a thoroughly enjoyable addition, and if you’ve made it this far in the series, you’ll find plenty to love about this one.
December 3, 2025
B+ / 4.5 stars
And so we reach the penultimate book in Gregory Ashe's The Last Picks. It's billed as a cosy mystery series, but honestly, the mystery here is kind of underwhelming and I was struggling to remember very much about it a few days after finishing the book and starting to write this review. BUT – as has been the case with most of the instalments in series – especially in the latter half - it scores big-time with the emotional dilemmas and relationship development between Dash and Bobby, who are both struggling; Bobby in the aftermath of his mother’s death and Dash with a serious confidence crisis and incipient depression in the face of a slew of rejections of his manuscript from agents and publishers.
Script Swap is (nominally) Fox’s book, so we get to know a bit more about their past, their relationship with their father, and their art – although I’m not sure we learn as much about Fox as we learned about the other LP’s in their books. Anyway. Fox’s father runs the local community theatre, which is mounting a new production of a play by Hasting’s Rock’s very own Pippi Parker ( Broken Bird ) which is loosely – very loosely – based on how Dash had caught Vivienne Carter ( Mystery Magnet ). The Hemlock House gang are there for the opening night and things are going surprisingly well – the play is entertaining and the actors are good - but then as the first half comes to a close, the actor playing Dash goes off script, the lights go out - and it later emerges that the box office takings have been stolen. Fox asks Dash to look into the robbery, but before he can get very far, things take a turn for the worse when the lead actor turns up dead.
Theft and murder are the least of Dash’s worries at that moment, however. Since Bobby’s mother died, Bobby has gone into ‘fix-it’ mode, which has put distance between them, and Dash has hit a brick wall in his search for an agent/publisher for his book; rejection after rejection has demolished his confidence and convinced him he’s a terrible writer, and he’s completely unable to do any revisions and rewrites. He’s also on a self-improvement kick (going to the gym – gasp! Turning down sugary treats – double gasp!!), needing to prove to Bobby that he’s a suitable boyfriend before Bobby decides he can do better; and what with the murder investigation, trying to decide what to do about his career and worrying about when Bobby will get fed up with him, Dash is a mess.
Although this is billed as Fox’s book, it’s not until near the end of it that they really come into focus. I’ve always found them hard to get a handle on as a character; I was never sure if their flamboyant clothing choices and junk-filled van were meant simply as a kind of comic relief and have felt that sometimes there just hasn’t been very much for them to do… until now, when they are there for Dash when he hits emotional rock bottom and badly needs someone to help him find some perspective. That conversation alone – honest, touching, and insightful - is worth the price of admission - and the Dash ‘n’ Bobby talk afterwards is just the icing on the cake.
Of course Dash solves the mystery (and of course, he is constantly interrupted while trying to give the reveal speech!), but that’s all secondary to the story of Dash ‘n’ Bobby weathering the first real test of their relationship and struggling to find ways to support each other. They love each other so much and it’s hard to watch them flail and screw up, but they’re getting better at talking things through – even if it takes them a while to get there.
So it’s another B+/4.5 stars for this penultimate instalment in the series. I feel like my ratings for these books are a bit all-over-the-place; I don’t generally read cosy mysteries so I don’t have anything to compare them to, although I suspect GA delves way more into character exploration than is typical for the genre. And that’s the stuff I love to read and which he does so incredibly well, so I suppose I’ve been arriving at a compromise grade – high grades for the character/relationship development and psychological insight, and lower ones for the mysteries, which are not really why I’m reading these books.
So, I liked Script Swap and am looking forward to reading the final instalment. (And to more Jem and Tean next year!)
And so we reach the penultimate book in Gregory Ashe's The Last Picks. It's billed as a cosy mystery series, but honestly, the mystery here is kind of underwhelming and I was struggling to remember very much about it a few days after finishing the book and starting to write this review. BUT – as has been the case with most of the instalments in series – especially in the latter half - it scores big-time with the emotional dilemmas and relationship development between Dash and Bobby, who are both struggling; Bobby in the aftermath of his mother’s death and Dash with a serious confidence crisis and incipient depression in the face of a slew of rejections of his manuscript from agents and publishers.
Script Swap is (nominally) Fox’s book, so we get to know a bit more about their past, their relationship with their father, and their art – although I’m not sure we learn as much about Fox as we learned about the other LP’s in their books. Anyway. Fox’s father runs the local community theatre, which is mounting a new production of a play by Hasting’s Rock’s very own Pippi Parker ( Broken Bird ) which is loosely – very loosely – based on how Dash had caught Vivienne Carter ( Mystery Magnet ). The Hemlock House gang are there for the opening night and things are going surprisingly well – the play is entertaining and the actors are good - but then as the first half comes to a close, the actor playing Dash goes off script, the lights go out - and it later emerges that the box office takings have been stolen. Fox asks Dash to look into the robbery, but before he can get very far, things take a turn for the worse when the lead actor turns up dead.
Theft and murder are the least of Dash’s worries at that moment, however. Since Bobby’s mother died, Bobby has gone into ‘fix-it’ mode, which has put distance between them, and Dash has hit a brick wall in his search for an agent/publisher for his book; rejection after rejection has demolished his confidence and convinced him he’s a terrible writer, and he’s completely unable to do any revisions and rewrites. He’s also on a self-improvement kick (going to the gym – gasp! Turning down sugary treats – double gasp!!), needing to prove to Bobby that he’s a suitable boyfriend before Bobby decides he can do better; and what with the murder investigation, trying to decide what to do about his career and worrying about when Bobby will get fed up with him, Dash is a mess.
Although this is billed as Fox’s book, it’s not until near the end of it that they really come into focus. I’ve always found them hard to get a handle on as a character; I was never sure if their flamboyant clothing choices and junk-filled van were meant simply as a kind of comic relief and have felt that sometimes there just hasn’t been very much for them to do… until now, when they are there for Dash when he hits emotional rock bottom and badly needs someone to help him find some perspective. That conversation alone – honest, touching, and insightful - is worth the price of admission - and the Dash ‘n’ Bobby talk afterwards is just the icing on the cake.
Of course Dash solves the mystery (and of course, he is constantly interrupted while trying to give the reveal speech!), but that’s all secondary to the story of Dash ‘n’ Bobby weathering the first real test of their relationship and struggling to find ways to support each other. They love each other so much and it’s hard to watch them flail and screw up, but they’re getting better at talking things through – even if it takes them a while to get there.
So it’s another B+/4.5 stars for this penultimate instalment in the series. I feel like my ratings for these books are a bit all-over-the-place; I don’t generally read cosy mysteries so I don’t have anything to compare them to, although I suspect GA delves way more into character exploration than is typical for the genre. And that’s the stuff I love to read and which he does so incredibly well, so I suppose I’ve been arriving at a compromise grade – high grades for the character/relationship development and psychological insight, and lower ones for the mysteries, which are not really why I’m reading these books.
So, I liked Script Swap and am looking forward to reading the final instalment. (And to more Jem and Tean next year!)
November 10, 2025
Ok, this was mostly good. I wasn’t super feeling it in the beginning, but it’s one of those that gets better as it goes, even though there was a big gaping logic hole* in the otherwise excellent van convo that kept that from entirely working for me.
But while I don’t really think it wasn’t as good as the previous I’m rating this lower than the previous book for two reasons:
1.) This is a “me” thing, but this whole series suffers in some ways from having a writer MC, and this particular book is one of the installments with a higher than average amount of writing related content. Now I (mostly) love listening to writers talking about writing, but in fiction anything that smacks of author self-insert**, or is too obviously an author using a character as a mouthpiece for their own opinions and experiences absolutely destroys my immersion in the story and even if that content is interesting it prevents the sort of experience I’m looking to have while reading a novel.
2.) Thin characterization. Now this is partly a natural consequence of having Dash as the sole POV character throughout the whole series (which is a good thing!) but I had been looking forward to the books where Ashe began centering a different member of the Last Picks crew in each story, only to be pretty disappointed in how little we get about each of them in their supposed books, and Fox being one of the most opaque of members of the crew, it was especially disappointing how barely there they are in their own book. No one in these books, besides Dash and maybe Bobby feel like they have any depth to them, and I don’t think this is a weakness of Ashe (based on they only other things I’ve read by him) but something he’s done specifically in this series, and my disappointment with it has only grown as the series goes on.
I do want to say I feel like Ashe has finally started to achieve a decent balance of relationship to mystery elements in the back half of this series, and hope that will carry over to any future “cozy” style writing he does.
* logic hole:
** self-insert:
not actually a spoiler, but kinda off topic
But while I don’t really think it wasn’t as good as the previous I’m rating this lower than the previous book for two reasons:
1.) This is a “me” thing, but this whole series suffers in some ways from having a writer MC, and this particular book is one of the installments with a higher than average amount of writing related content. Now I (mostly) love listening to writers talking about writing, but in fiction anything that smacks of author self-insert**, or is too obviously an author using a character as a mouthpiece for their own opinions and experiences absolutely destroys my immersion in the story and even if that content is interesting it prevents the sort of experience I’m looking to have while reading a novel.
2.) Thin characterization. Now this is partly a natural consequence of having Dash as the sole POV character throughout the whole series (which is a good thing!) but I had been looking forward to the books where Ashe began centering a different member of the Last Picks crew in each story, only to be pretty disappointed in how little we get about each of them in their supposed books, and Fox being one of the most opaque of members of the crew, it was especially disappointing how barely there they are in their own book. No one in these books, besides Dash and maybe Bobby feel like they have any depth to them, and I don’t think this is a weakness of Ashe (based on they only other things I’ve read by him) but something he’s done specifically in this series, and my disappointment with it has only grown as the series goes on.
I do want to say I feel like Ashe has finally started to achieve a decent balance of relationship to mystery elements in the back half of this series, and hope that will carry over to any future “cozy” style writing he does.
* logic hole:
** self-insert:
not actually a spoiler, but kinda off topic
October 7, 2025
Okay, this was meant to be a Fox book, and it was, in a way. The case was centred on Fox's dad and his theatre, after all. But I don't feel that I know them better than before. Yes, I met their father, and now I know that, when they was a young man, they wanted to be an actor, but I guess I was expecting more. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed the two conversations he had with Dash; both the one in the van and the one at their exhibition. And I wanted to see their art, soooooooooo badly! All this to say that yes, I could deal with more on Fox :P
I found the case interesting, and particularly the characters involved in it. But this time, I suspected the right one from almost the beginning, not because I'm a genius detective, but because
Dash's state of mind during the case was... a mess. But one that I, for once, can fully understand and empathise with. His whole self is invested in being a writer, and all the rejections he has received have made him doubt himself more than ever. And I understand why he won't talk about it until he reaches his decision, and I even understand why he thinks that would be the best option. I do NOT agree, but I get why he'd think it is what he must do.
That said, I love it when he finally talks to Bobby. Granted, he does it because Bobby is going through his own crisis, a mix of grief and his need to fix things, but he does, and they are fully honest with their fears and shortcomings. And I think this time, it'll stick. I think they learnt their lesson and will be more open about what's going on in their heads from now on :P
There is only one book more in this series, and I can barely wait to see what is waiting for them.
I found the case interesting, and particularly the characters involved in it. But this time, I suspected the right one from almost the beginning, not because I'm a genius detective, but because
Dash's state of mind during the case was... a mess. But one that I, for once, can fully understand and empathise with. His whole self is invested in being a writer, and all the rejections he has received have made him doubt himself more than ever. And I understand why he won't talk about it until he reaches his decision, and I even understand why he thinks that would be the best option. I do NOT agree, but I get why he'd think it is what he must do.
That said, I love it when he finally talks to Bobby. Granted, he does it because Bobby is going through his own crisis, a mix of grief and his need to fix things, but he does, and they are fully honest with their fears and shortcomings. And I think this time, it'll stick. I think they learnt their lesson and will be more open about what's going on in their heads from now on :P
There is only one book more in this series, and I can barely wait to see what is waiting for them.
October 13, 2025
Each book in this series (for the most part) is somehow even better than the last. And the first book was already incredibly strong!
As a former theatre kid, I enjoyed the hell out of the plotline in this book. This was only of the only mysteries in this series where I truly had no thoughts about what might be happening, but was happy to just be along for the ride. I also really liked Dash's arc in this book. I relate to him probably an embarrassing amount in general, but I especially understand the feeling of not being good enough, and trying to change yourself to be the perfect person for someone else, even if that pressure is only coming from yourself. I also really liked Fox and Dash's one on one scenes. The scenes that focus on the individual relationships Dash has with his found family are always my favorite moments in each book, and this one was no different.
Perfect ending. I'm so sad there's only one more book left! Thank you to the author for providing a free copy for me to review.
As a former theatre kid, I enjoyed the hell out of the plotline in this book. This was only of the only mysteries in this series where I truly had no thoughts about what might be happening, but was happy to just be along for the ride. I also really liked Dash's arc in this book. I relate to him probably an embarrassing amount in general, but I especially understand the feeling of not being good enough, and trying to change yourself to be the perfect person for someone else, even if that pressure is only coming from yourself. I also really liked Fox and Dash's one on one scenes. The scenes that focus on the individual relationships Dash has with his found family are always my favorite moments in each book, and this one was no different.
Perfect ending. I'm so sad there's only one more book left! Thank you to the author for providing a free copy for me to review.
October 15, 2025
Cuando el libro comienza con Dash diciendo que no quiere dulces y que además ahora va al gimnasio, sabía que venían cosas fuertes.
¿Me hicieron llorar? sí
Este es un libro para los artistas y los soñadores.
Me dió una pena tremenda ver a Dash tan perdido. Creo que muchos autores deben sentir los miedos y problemas que Dash. Esa mezcla extraña entre amar leer y escribir, pero monetizar eso y el estrés que viene, tener toda esa presión entre crear arte que amas y funcionar bajo un mundo que solo sale consumir. Sumale los muchos traumas de Dash (por su familia, por su cuerpo, por su forma de ser, etc).
Y después de ver a Dash ser un pilar para sus amigos, me alegra ver a Fox (fellow artist) ser quien lo guía con un poco de amor duro y directo.
“Onedayism is the syndrome of believing that someday -one day- your real life will begin. Someday, you’ll be a real adult. Someday, you’ll be a real writer. Someday, you’ll be ready for a real relationship. There’s always some sort of external marker, some form of validation. When I have my first solo show. When I make six figures. When I sell a book.
Your life is now. This is it. This is all any of us has, this moment. There is no future; the future was made up by life insurance salesmen. And you deserve to be loved right now. Love is many things, Dash, but it’s not conditional. It’s not about what you’ve achieved. There’s no checklist.”
DD, BM, F, IS, MN, KC.
Nota: cuando Dash dijo “We could go to, uh, Missouri. (Oh God, no.).” Lo primero que pensé fue en un crossover entre Dash y Hazard jajaja
¿Me hicieron llorar? sí
Este es un libro para los artistas y los soñadores.
Me dió una pena tremenda ver a Dash tan perdido. Creo que muchos autores deben sentir los miedos y problemas que Dash. Esa mezcla extraña entre amar leer y escribir, pero monetizar eso y el estrés que viene, tener toda esa presión entre crear arte que amas y funcionar bajo un mundo que solo sale consumir. Sumale los muchos traumas de Dash (por su familia, por su cuerpo, por su forma de ser, etc).
Y después de ver a Dash ser un pilar para sus amigos, me alegra ver a Fox (fellow artist) ser quien lo guía con un poco de amor duro y directo.
“Onedayism is the syndrome of believing that someday -one day- your real life will begin. Someday, you’ll be a real adult. Someday, you’ll be a real writer. Someday, you’ll be ready for a real relationship. There’s always some sort of external marker, some form of validation. When I have my first solo show. When I make six figures. When I sell a book.
Your life is now. This is it. This is all any of us has, this moment. There is no future; the future was made up by life insurance salesmen. And you deserve to be loved right now. Love is many things, Dash, but it’s not conditional. It’s not about what you’ve achieved. There’s no checklist.”
DD, BM, F, IS, MN, KC.
Nota: cuando Dash dijo “We could go to, uh, Missouri. (Oh God, no.).” Lo primero que pensé fue en un crossover entre Dash y Hazard jajaja
October 6, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Script Swap is the latest installment in Gregory Ashe’s Last Picks series. I love these cozy mysteries and the found family group of characters, and this story was no exception. Over the second half of the series, Ashe has used the books to highlight one of the “last picks” and I have enjoyed getting to know more about these side characters. This time, the mystery connects to Fox, as their father owns the community theater that is putting on the play.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Script Swap is the latest installment in Gregory Ashe’s Last Picks series. I love these cozy mysteries and the found family group of characters, and this story was no exception. Over the second half of the series, Ashe has used the books to highlight one of the “last picks” and I have enjoyed getting to know more about these side characters. This time, the mystery connects to Fox, as their father owns the community theater that is putting on the play.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
October 25, 2025
A dynamic, twisty, and evocative novel; Script Swap is an easy and deserving five stars. The tenderness of the relationship between Dash and Bobby is an artfully balanced juxtaposition to the perilous murder mystery our characters find themselves in, yet again. Fox is brought into the foreground and given a chance to shine, and Gregory Ashe proves, once more, that he is masterful at creating indelible characters that both stand out and stay with you.
Bravo!
Bravo!
October 10, 2025
Gosh darn it (in keeping with the cozy thing here), pretty much the minute I finished "Script Swap" I was inundated with work and dog-sitting (adorable, sweet-tempered dog, but those walks surely do eat up the day), so I'm getting around to this review more than a week later and consequently with the book less than fresh in my mind. Here goes ...
I said at the outset of this series that I would never have touched a cozy mystery by anyone other than Gregory Ashe, though to be fair a couple of Cat Sebastian's books would qualify and I do like those. Anyhow, even GA hasn't been able to convert me to cozies as a genre, but! The Last Picks series has gotten steadily better as, book by book, it acquires emotional depth. I want to say that this is because Dash, their protagonist and narrator, has developed more insight into himself, especially once he and Bobby Mai got past circling around each other uncommunicatively and became lovers.
Dash remains Dash, however, meaning that once one difficulty has been resolved, his free-floating anxiety will diligently find, or create, another. He's got a twofer going this time: 1. he's sure he's an incompetent who must improve himself ASAP before Bobby figures out that he can trade up any time; 2. his first book having been rejected by every single agent who looked at it, and revisions not going well, he's a terrible writer and should probably just give up.
Relatable, as they say.
Dash, of a prolific writer of cozies: "No judgment, but it really tells you something about an author when they can churn them out like that, don’t you think?" Dash, nobody ever said "No judgment" and wholeheartedly meant it ... and also, what an interesting line to come from GA, who really does churn them out, rather to the mystification of us his admiring readers (and to the envy of us his admiring readers who are also [poky] writers).
And Dash, of himself: "I was so sick of all of it—of being this person in this body, with the little tummy roll I couldn’t get rid of, with the complete lack of any muscles, with the fact that I was petty and self-absorbed and childish."
All is resolved eventually, of course, including the sexual dry spell Dash and Bobby have been having since Bobby's mother died. It's the artist Fox who saves the day, in an extraordinary conversation just as Dash has hit emotional rock bottom. I won't quote from it, because it needs to be read in full, so let's just say I gasped at the point where Dash admits his awful truth. This whole sequence is Gregory Ashe at his best, reaching down to the very bottom of a character's pain.
Thanks to GA for the ARC; this is my honest opinion etc. etc.
I said at the outset of this series that I would never have touched a cozy mystery by anyone other than Gregory Ashe, though to be fair a couple of Cat Sebastian's books would qualify and I do like those. Anyhow, even GA hasn't been able to convert me to cozies as a genre, but! The Last Picks series has gotten steadily better as, book by book, it acquires emotional depth. I want to say that this is because Dash, their protagonist and narrator, has developed more insight into himself, especially once he and Bobby Mai got past circling around each other uncommunicatively and became lovers.
Dash remains Dash, however, meaning that once one difficulty has been resolved, his free-floating anxiety will diligently find, or create, another. He's got a twofer going this time: 1. he's sure he's an incompetent who must improve himself ASAP before Bobby figures out that he can trade up any time; 2. his first book having been rejected by every single agent who looked at it, and revisions not going well, he's a terrible writer and should probably just give up.
Relatable, as they say.
Dash, of a prolific writer of cozies: "No judgment, but it really tells you something about an author when they can churn them out like that, don’t you think?" Dash, nobody ever said "No judgment" and wholeheartedly meant it ... and also, what an interesting line to come from GA, who really does churn them out, rather to the mystification of us his admiring readers (and to the envy of us his admiring readers who are also [poky] writers).
And Dash, of himself: "I was so sick of all of it—of being this person in this body, with the little tummy roll I couldn’t get rid of, with the complete lack of any muscles, with the fact that I was petty and self-absorbed and childish."
All is resolved eventually, of course, including the sexual dry spell Dash and Bobby have been having since Bobby's mother died. It's the artist Fox who saves the day, in an extraordinary conversation just as Dash has hit emotional rock bottom. I won't quote from it, because it needs to be read in full, so let's just say I gasped at the point where Dash admits his awful truth. This whole sequence is Gregory Ashe at his best, reaching down to the very bottom of a character's pain.
Thanks to GA for the ARC; this is my honest opinion etc. etc.
October 6, 2025
Okay, I'm officially getting both Dash and Bobby shirts that say, "I promise to talk about my feelings with my partner instead of wallowing in them alone," because me banging their heads together is obviously not working!
Look, we're on book 11 (the penultimate book, I'm seriously going to cry), so if you're someone who hates the non-communication trope, what are you still doing here?! Dash and Bobby are both the absolute worst at communicating and both do their own thing that inevitably makes it MUCH WORSE. (It must be exhausting to be in that relationship).
But I think one of the beautiful things about this, is it leaves the door open for the rest of the Last Picks. They are truly a family, and always notice when Dash is struggling, so there's always someone who can step forward and do the headbanging, er...showing them that they need to talk. Maybe, just maybe, Dash and Bobby will be solid moving forward (I wont hold my breath though!).
This was Fox's story, and they've truly been an enigma outside of their flamboyant fashion sense and dramatic flair, so it was great to get a little more of their backstory (I was hoping they'd have some sort of romantic arc so I'm a little sad that we still dont have that), but we got to find out what shaped them into who they are and what they're doing when they aren't at Hemlock House. The mystery was solid, as always, but it honestly took way more of a backseat than in previous books. There was still multiple red herrings and whodunnits, and I was hooked in of course, but the relationships were the absolute main focus and I loved it.
Look, we're on book 11 (the penultimate book, I'm seriously going to cry), so if you're someone who hates the non-communication trope, what are you still doing here?! Dash and Bobby are both the absolute worst at communicating and both do their own thing that inevitably makes it MUCH WORSE. (It must be exhausting to be in that relationship).
But I think one of the beautiful things about this, is it leaves the door open for the rest of the Last Picks. They are truly a family, and always notice when Dash is struggling, so there's always someone who can step forward and do the headbanging, er...showing them that they need to talk. Maybe, just maybe, Dash and Bobby will be solid moving forward (I wont hold my breath though!).
This was Fox's story, and they've truly been an enigma outside of their flamboyant fashion sense and dramatic flair, so it was great to get a little more of their backstory (I was hoping they'd have some sort of romantic arc so I'm a little sad that we still dont have that), but we got to find out what shaped them into who they are and what they're doing when they aren't at Hemlock House. The mystery was solid, as always, but it honestly took way more of a backseat than in previous books. There was still multiple red herrings and whodunnits, and I was hooked in of course, but the relationships were the absolute main focus and I loved it.
October 15, 2025
Loving This Series
I’m still enjoying this series. Who would have thought that Gregory Ashe would write a cozy mystery series and one so good.
Most of the action in this book takes place in the towns small theatre, owned by Fox’s father. Dash gets himself involved in another murder and a robbery when Fox pleads with him to help his father. Dash agrees although it’s mainly to avoid the rewrites he is trying to do on his manuscript. I really felt Dash’s pain and the way he went into himself as the rejection letters kept on coming and Bobby’s touching efforts as he tried to help him only angered Dash further. Bobby is also struggling with the grief of losing his mom and keeping his feelings to himself doesn’t help with Dash’s lack of self worth. Trying to put his insecurities aside he comes up with Dash Mk II which gives Keme lots of ammunition for tormenting him and just confuses Bobby, as he loved Dash just the way he was.
This book was deeper and more emotional than the others and it seems that the author has found a real connection and depth with his characters. The last picks didn’t feature as much except for Fox and although Fox has always been my least favourite, in this book he stepped up and the dialogue between him and Dash was really poignant and I shed a tear.
When Dash then had the BIG long overdue talk with Bobby I cried again. If only they had talked it out earlier, but they come out of it stronger than ever.
I can’t believe the next book is the last in the series and I am going to miss Dashiel Dawson and his weird chosen family, but the excerpt from the last book in the series Retool has got me excited.
I’m still enjoying this series. Who would have thought that Gregory Ashe would write a cozy mystery series and one so good.
Most of the action in this book takes place in the towns small theatre, owned by Fox’s father. Dash gets himself involved in another murder and a robbery when Fox pleads with him to help his father. Dash agrees although it’s mainly to avoid the rewrites he is trying to do on his manuscript. I really felt Dash’s pain and the way he went into himself as the rejection letters kept on coming and Bobby’s touching efforts as he tried to help him only angered Dash further. Bobby is also struggling with the grief of losing his mom and keeping his feelings to himself doesn’t help with Dash’s lack of self worth. Trying to put his insecurities aside he comes up with Dash Mk II which gives Keme lots of ammunition for tormenting him and just confuses Bobby, as he loved Dash just the way he was.
This book was deeper and more emotional than the others and it seems that the author has found a real connection and depth with his characters. The last picks didn’t feature as much except for Fox and although Fox has always been my least favourite, in this book he stepped up and the dialogue between him and Dash was really poignant and I shed a tear.
When Dash then had the BIG long overdue talk with Bobby I cried again. If only they had talked it out earlier, but they come out of it stronger than ever.
I can’t believe the next book is the last in the series and I am going to miss Dashiel Dawson and his weird chosen family, but the excerpt from the last book in the series Retool has got me excited.
October 7, 2025
This is Fox’s book.
And to be honest, it didn’t really tell me massively more about them. For me, Fox has almost been the least vibrant character out of all the Last Picks, despite their flamboyance etc etc.
Best scene for them is definitely the discussion about art with Dash towards the end. Very lovely and heart warming.
The cozy murder mystery is very much on the lukewarm side, but none of that matters because …
Dash and Bobby!
Those moments when they talk, trying to sort out issues between them and problems they’re facing themselves …. Absolutely golden! Those insecurities, doubts, inner hurdles are so beautifully observed and described, it was just pure joy!
And for the first time I got a sense that Dash is finally ‘growing up’. Of course, he will always be Dash with all his Dash-like vulnerabilities, but I loved seeing him in self-reflection and facing up to real life challenges and decisions.
Dash and Bobby’s relationship is simply going from strength to strength. The move forward is virtually tangible here.
And to be honest, it didn’t really tell me massively more about them. For me, Fox has almost been the least vibrant character out of all the Last Picks, despite their flamboyance etc etc.
Best scene for them is definitely the discussion about art with Dash towards the end. Very lovely and heart warming.
The cozy murder mystery is very much on the lukewarm side, but none of that matters because …
Dash and Bobby!
Those moments when they talk, trying to sort out issues between them and problems they’re facing themselves …. Absolutely golden! Those insecurities, doubts, inner hurdles are so beautifully observed and described, it was just pure joy!
And for the first time I got a sense that Dash is finally ‘growing up’. Of course, he will always be Dash with all his Dash-like vulnerabilities, but I loved seeing him in self-reflection and facing up to real life challenges and decisions.
Dash and Bobby’s relationship is simply going from strength to strength. The move forward is virtually tangible here.
October 16, 2025
We are back to the melodrama… It’s really odd. The author is really good at writing but when it comes to emotional development they seem incapable of carrying their characters through some sort eternal, self-imposed, emotional loops. It’s like going in circles. It’s like the author wants them never to get over the same dramas, the same complexes, the same angsts. But that’s not how people are. They face different adversities, maybe even the same multiple times. But they do have a trajectory. Quite frankly this feels more like repeated sessions of water boarding than actual emotional development. Like there is no reason for Dash to feel the way he is in this books other than the author (I assume) believing this is how you bring emotional depth to a character. As far as I am concerned it does not feel natural, nor logical. It’s like moving through molasses.
October 12, 2025
Well I really struggled with this one-apparently it hit some triggers I thought were dead! Fox redeemed himself at the end -from his snipes at Dash-by really truly showing how much he cared. Too bad it took a murder and theft to show it. Dash is working through his existential crises (yes plural!), Bobby is dealing with his STRONG feelings by not dealing, Keme and MILLIE are "helping" and Indira is only present a little. The mystery and murder is again an original, and Gregory Ashe excels at the red herrings needed in a cozy mystery. This is book 11 of 12 and I am so excited to get to #12 and see how this all wraps up. I have some ideas...I obtained all my books through Gregory Ashe's kickstarter for this series. Highly recommend!
September 23, 2025
I continue to enjoy this series, but this wasn't my favorite installment. That may change when I hear the audio version, of course. For now, I found Dash's lack of self-awareness frustrating, and I wanted more focus on Bobby's reactions to his mother's death (and his family situation overall). I didn't realize until the end that this was supposed to be "Fox's book," and I didn't feel Fox featured all that strongly in it. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for this story right now. At any rate, I still recommend the series, and I'll be looking forward to book twelve.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
October 11, 2025
Dash & Bobby & the Last Picks
Not as much of the Last Picks in this one as previous books, but fun read overall. Dash gets himself involved in a robbery and yet another murder. Fox desperately needs his help, Dash agrees, mostly to avoid his rewrites and his feelings. Bobby as usual is sweet, kind and protective but he’s struggling too. As usual, they need to communicate and it does seem to come easier but when the feelings are big and if you say them out loud, they become real, it’s hard to admit and share your fears. Dash solves another case, finds the strength to be brave and he and Bobby are stronger than ever. The teaser at the end for Retool has me excited!
Not as much of the Last Picks in this one as previous books, but fun read overall. Dash gets himself involved in a robbery and yet another murder. Fox desperately needs his help, Dash agrees, mostly to avoid his rewrites and his feelings. Bobby as usual is sweet, kind and protective but he’s struggling too. As usual, they need to communicate and it does seem to come easier but when the feelings are big and if you say them out loud, they become real, it’s hard to admit and share your fears. Dash solves another case, finds the strength to be brave and he and Bobby are stronger than ever. The teaser at the end for Retool has me excited!
November 5, 2025
I do enjoy the 'Last Picks' books, but I was a little less invested in this story, maybe down to my own state of mind.
This is ostensibly Fox's story, and we do get to find out a little about their background, which was interesting, and I really enjoyed the chat that Fox and Dash had in the car.
Dash was his usual self, perhaps a bit more self-doubting; his internal monologue had me at times wanting to either shake him or hug him.
Dash and Bobby's relationship progresses in a way that made me say 'aww' more times than I care to mention.
Finally, the mystery was suitably intriguing - I loved the amateur dramatic setting. Who knew I'd love a cosy mystery?
This is ostensibly Fox's story, and we do get to find out a little about their background, which was interesting, and I really enjoyed the chat that Fox and Dash had in the car.
Dash was his usual self, perhaps a bit more self-doubting; his internal monologue had me at times wanting to either shake him or hug him.
Dash and Bobby's relationship progresses in a way that made me say 'aww' more times than I care to mention.
Finally, the mystery was suitably intriguing - I loved the amateur dramatic setting. Who knew I'd love a cosy mystery?
October 14, 2025
Great series!!!
I have been a dedicated fan of Gregory Ashe's work since I read the first book in the Hazard & Somerset series. I have read everything available on kindle, and eagerly await every new book release.
This series, The Last Picks, is one of my favorites. The characters are an odd lot, but they all have heart, and come together in a family connected not by blood, but by heart. They care for & support each other, all while solving murders. Do yourself a favor. Read this series! It's funny, heartwarming, & unforgettable.
I have been a dedicated fan of Gregory Ashe's work since I read the first book in the Hazard & Somerset series. I have read everything available on kindle, and eagerly await every new book release.
This series, The Last Picks, is one of my favorites. The characters are an odd lot, but they all have heart, and come together in a family connected not by blood, but by heart. They care for & support each other, all while solving murders. Do yourself a favor. Read this series! It's funny, heartwarming, & unforgettable.
October 8, 2025
This is Fox's story. Although we don't really get a lot of back story for him. The mystery is at his father's theater where they are hosting a play based on Dash' investigation into Vivienne.
Aside from the mystery, Dash is doing quite a bit of thinking about himself and his book and life with Bobby.
At last he does seem to have a halleujah moment.
Only 1 more book to go, due in December before this wonderful series ends.
Aside from the mystery, Dash is doing quite a bit of thinking about himself and his book and life with Bobby.
At last he does seem to have a halleujah moment.
Only 1 more book to go, due in December before this wonderful series ends.
December 1, 2025
I love Gregory Ashe and I love this cast of characters BUT… this book took me forever to read! I think, IMO, the stories are feeling a little redundant so they don’t hook me like they used to. I’m excited for something new to come from this author because I’ve always loved his other stories too I was actually glad to see that the next book is the last one in this series.😬
October 3, 2025
The recent installments have felt a bit repetitive, but it's still a lot of fun.
October 12, 2025
4,5 stars
October 14, 2025
Script Swap is the eleventh book in the Last Picks series and needs to be read in order. I really enjoyed this book and am so sad that there's only one more to go, but also excited for it.
November 2, 2025
story line: *****
main characters: *****
side characters: ****
world building: ****
editing: *****
main characters: *****
side characters: ****
world building: ****
editing: *****
December 1, 2025
Murder in the Theatre
Dash goes to opening night at the theatre for a play that’s based on his life, a script seems to be swapped. Fox asked Dash to investigate. The next day the male lead ends up dead. All the while Dash is acting strange, going for runs, joining a gym. Dash and Bobby have a heart to heart and they both explain what’s been going on with them, Dash decides to be his old self.
Dash does figure out who committed the murders.
I really enjoyed this book, even though it wasn’t the whole gang doing the investigating.
Dash goes to opening night at the theatre for a play that’s based on his life, a script seems to be swapped. Fox asked Dash to investigate. The next day the male lead ends up dead. All the while Dash is acting strange, going for runs, joining a gym. Dash and Bobby have a heart to heart and they both explain what’s been going on with them, Dash decides to be his old self.
Dash does figure out who committed the murders.
I really enjoyed this book, even though it wasn’t the whole gang doing the investigating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews