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The Last Picks #12
Retool
What would you do to get everything you wanted?
Life is good for Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash). Things with his boyfriend, Bobby, are better than ever. Teaching at a local college has provided routine and stability. And to his complete surprise, his self-published novel is doing well. Really well. So, when a mystery writers’ conference comes to Hastings Rock, Dash is thrilled to attend.
He’s less thrilled when Vivienne Carver, his former nemesis—the woman who framed him for murder and then tried to kill him—appears at the conference, released from prison and determined to reclaim both fame and fortune. And, as usual, Vivienne has a plan.
But when Vivienne is murdered the first night of the conference, and Dash is—once again—the prime suspect, he’ll have to find the real killer to prove his innocence.
Even worse, Dash might be right back where he started.
Life is good for Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash). Things with his boyfriend, Bobby, are better than ever. Teaching at a local college has provided routine and stability. And to his complete surprise, his self-published novel is doing well. Really well. So, when a mystery writers’ conference comes to Hastings Rock, Dash is thrilled to attend.
He’s less thrilled when Vivienne Carver, his former nemesis—the woman who framed him for murder and then tried to kill him—appears at the conference, released from prison and determined to reclaim both fame and fortune. And, as usual, Vivienne has a plan.
But when Vivienne is murdered the first night of the conference, and Dash is—once again—the prime suspect, he’ll have to find the real killer to prove his innocence.
Even worse, Dash might be right back where he started.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2025
31 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,783 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 22, 2025
Well, here we are at the end of Gregory Ashe's twelve-book foray into cozy murder mystery; it’s been fun, though not even GA can convert me to cozy as a genre. A couple of the less successful installments dragged out the Bobby/Dash miscommunications and self-doubts well past enjoyable readerly frustration, but fortunately we’ve arrived at a point where, although Issues continue to arise, both men get it together to open their mouths and talk before the end of the book. A good thing for the last of a series.
The last of the series, and full circle back to the first, with the — brief! — reappearance of Vivienne Carver, the mystery-writing multiple murderer, implausibly (but who cares about that?) pardoned and, inevitably, turning up at the same writing conference as Dash. Vivienne gets killed for real this time, providing the opener of “Retool”’s mystery plot, and also making Dash’s book, “A Work in Progress,” even more appealing to the TV scout who hopes to sign him to a contract. Aw, poor Bobby, striving to facilitate his own broken heart by finding Dash an apartment in LA, telling himself it’s not such a long flight and they can see each other on weekends. (Don’t worry, Bobby! Unlike in GA’s other series, everything will be okay in the end.)
I snagged pleasantly on any number of GA’s little jokes — a publishing house called Doorstopper; Dash’s father’s fictional detective, Talon Maverick; “Obnoxia, the Roman goddess of everyone leave me alone.” And so on. I’ll always prefer this writer’s humor when it’s leavening for his darker, richer stories, but I can’t begrudge the fans of cozy mysteries their enjoyment, nor can I begrudge Ashe the fun he obviously had writing this series.
Thanks to the author for the ARC; this is my honest opinion, etc.
The last of the series, and full circle back to the first, with the — brief! — reappearance of Vivienne Carver, the mystery-writing multiple murderer, implausibly (but who cares about that?) pardoned and, inevitably, turning up at the same writing conference as Dash. Vivienne gets killed for real this time, providing the opener of “Retool”’s mystery plot, and also making Dash’s book, “A Work in Progress,” even more appealing to the TV scout who hopes to sign him to a contract. Aw, poor Bobby, striving to facilitate his own broken heart by finding Dash an apartment in LA, telling himself it’s not such a long flight and they can see each other on weekends. (Don’t worry, Bobby! Unlike in GA’s other series, everything will be okay in the end.)
I snagged pleasantly on any number of GA’s little jokes — a publishing house called Doorstopper; Dash’s father’s fictional detective, Talon Maverick; “Obnoxia, the Roman goddess of everyone leave me alone.” And so on. I’ll always prefer this writer’s humor when it’s leavening for his darker, richer stories, but I can’t begrudge the fans of cozy mysteries their enjoyment, nor can I begrudge Ashe the fun he obviously had writing this series.
Thanks to the author for the ARC; this is my honest opinion, etc.
Review of advance copy received from Author
feel kinda bad being like, yay, we survived the cozies, but: yay, we survived the cozies!
this was back to the beginning, with vivienne (let's ignore the implausible pardon) on the scene again, and even a couple of hugo references. by the sliding scale of cozydom, the mystery was pretty solid; but the main point was, of course, to leave us with dash, bobby, and the last picks in a good place, and in that respect, it was mission accomplished. (although honestly, the last picks hardly figured in this one; but bobby and dash are solid.)
for reals, though: i hate being one of those readers heaving passive-aggressive sighs as a favorite author churns their way through a series that said author seems to have enjoyed writing, probably because it's so different from their other stuff. otoh, i am so fucking relieved that we're going back to Tean and Jem soon. give us lots of fucking, lots of swearing (jem-only), and some sweet, sweet head trauma, greg!!!!
I got an ARC from the author, disclaimer disclaimer
this was back to the beginning, with vivienne (let's ignore the implausible pardon) on the scene again, and even a couple of hugo references. by the sliding scale of cozydom, the mystery was pretty solid; but the main point was, of course, to leave us with dash, bobby, and the last picks in a good place, and in that respect, it was mission accomplished. (although honestly, the last picks hardly figured in this one; but bobby and dash are solid.)
for reals, though: i hate being one of those readers heaving passive-aggressive sighs as a favorite author churns their way through a series that said author seems to have enjoyed writing, probably because it's so different from their other stuff. otoh, i am so fucking relieved that we're going back to Tean and Jem soon. give us lots of fucking, lots of swearing (jem-only), and some sweet, sweet head trauma, greg!!!!
I got an ARC from the author, disclaimer disclaimer
Review of advance copy received from Author
Block December 22 for The Last Picks grand finale!
GA churning out these books with such swiftness, the end’s ready to hit us at peak velocity in a full circle event bound to wrap this arc of the series up with a beautiful and ornate bow. Will Dash finally be uninterrupted in his crime breakdown soliloquy? How many more public horrors will he have to endure in this installment? What other mouthwatering delicacies will Indira be bringing to life? I’m buzzing to find out!
GA churning out these books with such swiftness, the end’s ready to hit us at peak velocity in a full circle event bound to wrap this arc of the series up with a beautiful and ornate bow. Will Dash finally be uninterrupted in his crime breakdown soliloquy? How many more public horrors will he have to endure in this installment? What other mouthwatering delicacies will Indira be bringing to life? I’m buzzing to find out!
December 23, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Retool is the 12th and final book in Gregory Ashe’s fabulous cozy mystery Last Picks series. I’ll admit picking this one up was bittersweet, as I was so eager to see how things wrap up for Dash and the gang, but also so sad for this to be the end of the series. I just love the approach Ashe takes here, bringing things full circle for Dash in many ways, but also highlighting how far he has come.
I have really loved this series and am sad to say goodbye to this group of characters. Ashe may be known for his darker, more intense mystery stories, but I have really loved these lighter cozies so much.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Retool is the 12th and final book in Gregory Ashe’s fabulous cozy mystery Last Picks series. I’ll admit picking this one up was bittersweet, as I was so eager to see how things wrap up for Dash and the gang, but also so sad for this to be the end of the series. I just love the approach Ashe takes here, bringing things full circle for Dash in many ways, but also highlighting how far he has come.
I have really loved this series and am sad to say goodbye to this group of characters. Ashe may be known for his darker, more intense mystery stories, but I have really loved these lighter cozies so much.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
December 21, 2025
The final book in Gregory Ashe’s 12 book cozy mystery series feels like exactly the right way to say goodbye.
Ending the series with a mystery that circles back to the very same person who started it all was incredibly satisfying, it gave the whole journey a sense of symmetry and closure that felt earned rather than forced.
Over the course of the series, we’ve gotten to know a cast of lovable characters, and this last installment is a reminder of why spending time with them has been such a pleasure. Watching Dash slowly find his place in the world has been one of the most rewarding arcs of the series. His growth feels natural, hard won, and deeply human, which is something Gregory Ashe consistently does so well.
Although Greg isn’t typically known for cozy mysteries( and I genuinely enjoy the grittier, darker edges of his usual work) this series was a welcome change of pace. Even with the “cozy” label, it never shied away from heavier topics, giving the story emotional weight without losing its warmth or charm. That balance is not easy to strike, but it’s handled thoughtfully here.
As much as I’ll miss these characters, this finale makes it clear that their story has reached its natural end. It feels like the right time to let them go and I look forward to turning my attention to Greg’s next piece of work.
If this series proves anything, it’s that he can thrive in any genre while still telling stories that resonate.
Ending the series with a mystery that circles back to the very same person who started it all was incredibly satisfying, it gave the whole journey a sense of symmetry and closure that felt earned rather than forced.
Over the course of the series, we’ve gotten to know a cast of lovable characters, and this last installment is a reminder of why spending time with them has been such a pleasure. Watching Dash slowly find his place in the world has been one of the most rewarding arcs of the series. His growth feels natural, hard won, and deeply human, which is something Gregory Ashe consistently does so well.
Although Greg isn’t typically known for cozy mysteries( and I genuinely enjoy the grittier, darker edges of his usual work) this series was a welcome change of pace. Even with the “cozy” label, it never shied away from heavier topics, giving the story emotional weight without losing its warmth or charm. That balance is not easy to strike, but it’s handled thoughtfully here.
As much as I’ll miss these characters, this finale makes it clear that their story has reached its natural end. It feels like the right time to let them go and I look forward to turning my attention to Greg’s next piece of work.
If this series proves anything, it’s that he can thrive in any genre while still telling stories that resonate.
December 23, 2025
The last book of this series is here, and I truly think it's a wonderful ending. We see a Dash who has grown a great deal since book 1, who finally is sure about who he is and what he wants, and it's a thing of beauty :P
I love the sense of full circle that Vivienne’s presence gives us. And that the mystery is all about books and the world of writing.
And even while the story's main focus is the mystery (obviously!), there is also this undercurrent regarding Dash receiving a wonderful offer for a TV series about him (Mr Murder!), involving writing true crime books and books about said series. But Dash is not as excited as everybody else is around him. Because, yes, this is a big deal, lots of money, popularity... it should be an easy decision, and yet... And I particularly like how, strangely, it's Vivienne who helps Dash to make his final decision. Talk about complicated relationships XD
Dash and Bobby's relationship has also changed for good. Dash truly gets Bobby and vice versa; they talk, they understand each other's fears and weakness and they work through them. It's wonderful *smiles happily*
And OMG! Fox reads fanfiction in AO3 *dies laughing* I should have guessed *g*
And I know you'll agree with me that Keme rescuing Dash is one of the best scenes in the book.
And that ending... *dies of sheer love*
So, yes, as I said before, a great ending to the series ♥
I love the sense of full circle that Vivienne’s presence gives us. And that the mystery is all about books and the world of writing.
And even while the story's main focus is the mystery (obviously!), there is also this undercurrent regarding Dash receiving a wonderful offer for a TV series about him (Mr Murder!), involving writing true crime books and books about said series. But Dash is not as excited as everybody else is around him. Because, yes, this is a big deal, lots of money, popularity... it should be an easy decision, and yet... And I particularly like how, strangely, it's Vivienne who helps Dash to make his final decision. Talk about complicated relationships XD
Dash and Bobby's relationship has also changed for good. Dash truly gets Bobby and vice versa; they talk, they understand each other's fears and weakness and they work through them. It's wonderful *smiles happily*
And OMG! Fox reads fanfiction in AO3 *dies laughing* I should have guessed *g*
And I know you'll agree with me that Keme rescuing Dash is one of the best scenes in the book.
And that ending... *dies of sheer love*
So, yes, as I said before, a great ending to the series ♥
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an ending!
I'm really torn by two emotions, one I am elated that the series ends at such a high point both story wise and in terms of writing but at the same time I'm seriously devastated that the series is over. I loved The Last Picks so much, it brought me so much joy over the last 2 years. Every new book was like meeting long lost friends and going on an adventure. I'm going to miss them so so much.
Spoilery review incoming...
I'm really torn by two emotions, one I am elated that the series ends at such a high point both story wise and in terms of writing but at the same time I'm seriously devastated that the series is over. I loved The Last Picks so much, it brought me so much joy over the last 2 years. Every new book was like meeting long lost friends and going on an adventure. I'm going to miss them so so much.
Spoilery review incoming...
December 22, 2025
It's been a journey but here we are at the end.
Is there a mystery? Of course! A full circle mystery that sees Dash and co. trying to solve the murder of none other than Vivianne Carver. And look, GA writes good mystery, cozy or otherwise. But what I really cared about with this one is getting an emotionally satisfying for Dash. And I did.
We met Dash insecure, not sure what he wanted, not sure what love looked like, and unable to make progress on his book. And now? He's got his book, his man, and the life that he wants. Secure? Well, it's Dash, I'm not sure we'll ever make it all the way there, but so much growth from book one.
On the whole, cozy mysteries aren't my thing and I'm looking forward to getting back to the angst fest of GA's usual fare, but I have enjoyed these books so much more than I would have anticipated. I love Dash's neurotic little heart to pieces. The Last Picks, the humour, the banter, and of course, Dash and Bobby. These books were clever, playful, and heartfelt, and a total pleasure to read.
This book was a nice little holiday gift of sweetness for all of us GA fans. A lovely end to a lovely series.
I received an ARC from the author
Is there a mystery? Of course! A full circle mystery that sees Dash and co. trying to solve the murder of none other than Vivianne Carver. And look, GA writes good mystery, cozy or otherwise. But what I really cared about with this one is getting an emotionally satisfying for Dash. And I did.
We met Dash insecure, not sure what he wanted, not sure what love looked like, and unable to make progress on his book. And now? He's got his book, his man, and the life that he wants. Secure? Well, it's Dash, I'm not sure we'll ever make it all the way there, but so much growth from book one.
On the whole, cozy mysteries aren't my thing and I'm looking forward to getting back to the angst fest of GA's usual fare, but I have enjoyed these books so much more than I would have anticipated. I love Dash's neurotic little heart to pieces. The Last Picks, the humour, the banter, and of course, Dash and Bobby. These books were clever, playful, and heartfelt, and a total pleasure to read.
This book was a nice little holiday gift of sweetness for all of us GA fans. A lovely end to a lovely series.
I received an ARC from the author
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cannot believe this is over I'M NOT READY FOR IT!!
I love Dash so much. He's so messy and insecure and just unbelievably human. But the amount of growth we've seen throughout these 12 books is unparalleled. The Dash of Book 1 would not recognize the Dash of book 12 and I love him so much for it.
I do wish we had a little more of the Last Picks in this one, as this one has few scenes in Hemlock House, but it really does come full circle in terms of plot and narrative. I'm so glad that Dash has found exactly what he wants and needs and is no longer letting others make plans for him.
Ashe's first foray into Cozy was a resounding success and I hope we get so much more!
I love Dash so much. He's so messy and insecure and just unbelievably human. But the amount of growth we've seen throughout these 12 books is unparalleled. The Dash of Book 1 would not recognize the Dash of book 12 and I love him so much for it.
I do wish we had a little more of the Last Picks in this one, as this one has few scenes in Hemlock House, but it really does come full circle in terms of plot and narrative. I'm so glad that Dash has found exactly what he wants and needs and is no longer letting others make plans for him.
Ashe's first foray into Cozy was a resounding success and I hope we get so much more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A heartwarming end to a heartwarming series.
The last twenty months of Dash & Co. has been an absolute delight. Not only has it been a pleasure to watch this story unfold over twelve masterfully crafted books, but it’s been an honour to watch the characters blossom.
This is the first cosy mystery series I’ve tried and it has just gone to show that this genre can — and in Gregory’s case, WILL — be written with depth, heart, and intrigue. The layers of world building, character development, and a full circle plot create a vibrant tapestry of story that leaves the reader both satisfied and simultaneously ready to reread.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, more importantly, this series.
December 5, 2025
This series has been a joy, and in this wrap-up volume, Greg Ashe really brings the whole thing together. I don't want to include a lot of spoilers, so I'll just say that this was a fitting send-off to the Last Picks (and Bobby). I still have a few quibbles, but then when don't I? It was a ton of fun to see Greg write cozies, and I can't wait for whatever he has in store for us next.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dash gets curtain speech,
engagement ring, home with friends,
clarity at last.
engagement ring, home with friends,
clarity at last.
December 23, 2025
I am going to miss these characters but it's a good ending for the series
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews