What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Picks #13
Expanded Universe
All the other stuff.
Expanded Universe is a collection of short stories from The Last Picks. It includes the
“Engineered Public Confession”
A glimpse into Dash’s life before his move to Hastings Rock.
“Mystery of the Week”
Someone steals Dash’s ice cream cone, and things…escalate.
“New Neighbors”
Dash adjusts to his new life in Hastings Rock—and to his budding friendship with Deputy Bobby.
“Friends on the Force”
Taking advantage of a local perk, Dash does a ride-along with his favorite deputy.
“Thanksgiving Episode”
On Dash’s first Thanksgiving with his new friends, things don’t go quite as planned.
“It Runs in the Family”
Dash’s sister arrives for an unexpected—and unwelcome—visit.
“Sheep in Sheep’s Clothing”
Bobby is most definitely not perfect. But why is it so hard to prove it?
“Chekhov’s Wig”
A box of stolen wigs. Jewel thieves on the run. What could go wrong?
“Birthday Beginning”
The Last Picks are determined to make Keme’s birthday a memorable one.
“The Odd Couple”
Dash and Keme might not be the original odd couple, but they’re odd enough.
“Home for the Holidays”
It’s Dash and Bobby’s first Christmas together. They manage to make it interesting.
“Good Cop, Bad Cop”
When Dash discovers someone is stealing Keme’s lunch, he’s determined to help. He’s just a little too late.
“Insufferable Geniuses”
Dash and Fox share the highs and lows of the artistic temperament.
“Found Family”
The Last Picks celebrate Keme’s graduation.
“Skip to the End”
Dash and Bobby celebrate their big day.
Please note that the first fourteen stories were distributed previously in various formats.
“Skip to the End” is exclusively available in this collection.
Expanded Universe is a collection of short stories from The Last Picks. It includes the
“Engineered Public Confession”
A glimpse into Dash’s life before his move to Hastings Rock.
“Mystery of the Week”
Someone steals Dash’s ice cream cone, and things…escalate.
“New Neighbors”
Dash adjusts to his new life in Hastings Rock—and to his budding friendship with Deputy Bobby.
“Friends on the Force”
Taking advantage of a local perk, Dash does a ride-along with his favorite deputy.
“Thanksgiving Episode”
On Dash’s first Thanksgiving with his new friends, things don’t go quite as planned.
“It Runs in the Family”
Dash’s sister arrives for an unexpected—and unwelcome—visit.
“Sheep in Sheep’s Clothing”
Bobby is most definitely not perfect. But why is it so hard to prove it?
“Chekhov’s Wig”
A box of stolen wigs. Jewel thieves on the run. What could go wrong?
“Birthday Beginning”
The Last Picks are determined to make Keme’s birthday a memorable one.
“The Odd Couple”
Dash and Keme might not be the original odd couple, but they’re odd enough.
“Home for the Holidays”
It’s Dash and Bobby’s first Christmas together. They manage to make it interesting.
“Good Cop, Bad Cop”
When Dash discovers someone is stealing Keme’s lunch, he’s determined to help. He’s just a little too late.
“Insufferable Geniuses”
Dash and Fox share the highs and lows of the artistic temperament.
“Found Family”
The Last Picks celebrate Keme’s graduation.
“Skip to the End”
Dash and Bobby celebrate their big day.
Please note that the first fourteen stories were distributed previously in various formats.
“Skip to the End” is exclusively available in this collection.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2025
About the author
Gregory Ashe
142 books1,868 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 4, 2026
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
These brief snippets of Dash's daily life not only shed light on the missing interactions between him and the Last Picks, but also the blossoming development of his relationship with Bobby. The little nudges of emotional trauma and trivial spiel that may not have made the final cut, but their value was no less important to shaping Dash into the person he would become. ✍🏻
And to think there was still so much left to learn! All these little morsels of information that may have detracted from the overall setting, but it was nice to discover in the final hour. That prologue - heartbreaking, but so bittersweet and poignant, in its own way. Extended family? What?? Did not see that coming? 👀 What year it takes place in! 🤯 Okay, that's an exaggeration, but I am a bit mortified that Dash and I are so close in age, but it does explain a lot in terms of his behavior - sometimes. 🙆🏻♀️
“It’s always something new with you,” Deputy Bobby said.
“Trust me, I know.”
“It’s not a bad thing.”
Reading an actual convo with Keme talking. Now that was a pleasant surprise, although, let's tone down the brotherly shenanigans between him and Dash. Not only dangerous, it was really childish, at times, too. Picking on Dash seemed to be a recurring theme, but the trooper he was, he took it in stride. I would have blown a gasket much earlier. Mr. Cheek - ah, some things are better left unsaid. 🤫
These well-meaning glimpses of Dash's Expanded Universe at Hastings Rock captured why this place, these people were so very important to him. It’s never too late to right a wrong. The special occasions, the memorable celebrations, the fun and frolic, the happiness and safety net that exists in their precious family. 🥺 It was nice to see not Dash, the amateur detective-mystery writer, but Dash, the brother, the friend, the boyfriend, and then some. 💕
“... if you ever needed proof Bobby knew me and loved me, this was it.”
It was endearing to see Dash and Bobby's bond grow. With no mysteries to be solved in sight, we get to see Bobby in a more playful light, too. one who still lights a spark in Dash's loins, sorry I meant, heart, but also cares deeply for him. 😏 One who when the time comes is not afraid or shy to confess how much his arrival to this little corner of Oregon led to him finding the better part of him - his home.
The final snapshot made me teary-eyed. Yeah, yeah, say what you like, but happily ever afters, as cheesy as they are - make me emotional. 💘 Look, I read through twelve cozy noirs, when cozy and I don't get along. I'm allowed this moment to bask in their moment in the spotlight. It was sweet, sentimental, slightly cliché, but their love was still so very them. 🥹
But, can we talk about those parting words?? The story is over, right? More mysteries to tell with other characters, in other universes, right??
Welp, who am I kidding, I'll still be back. 🙈
“I think in some ways, I didn’t really start living until I met you.”
These brief snippets of Dash's daily life not only shed light on the missing interactions between him and the Last Picks, but also the blossoming development of his relationship with Bobby. The little nudges of emotional trauma and trivial spiel that may not have made the final cut, but their value was no less important to shaping Dash into the person he would become. ✍🏻
And to think there was still so much left to learn! All these little morsels of information that may have detracted from the overall setting, but it was nice to discover in the final hour. That prologue - heartbreaking, but so bittersweet and poignant, in its own way. Extended family? What?? Did not see that coming? 👀 What year it takes place in! 🤯 Okay, that's an exaggeration, but I am a bit mortified that Dash and I are so close in age, but it does explain a lot in terms of his behavior - sometimes. 🙆🏻♀️
“It’s always something new with you,” Deputy Bobby said.
“Trust me, I know.”
“It’s not a bad thing.”
Reading an actual convo with Keme talking. Now that was a pleasant surprise, although, let's tone down the brotherly shenanigans between him and Dash. Not only dangerous, it was really childish, at times, too. Picking on Dash seemed to be a recurring theme, but the trooper he was, he took it in stride. I would have blown a gasket much earlier. Mr. Cheek - ah, some things are better left unsaid. 🤫
These well-meaning glimpses of Dash's Expanded Universe at Hastings Rock captured why this place, these people were so very important to him. It’s never too late to right a wrong. The special occasions, the memorable celebrations, the fun and frolic, the happiness and safety net that exists in their precious family. 🥺 It was nice to see not Dash, the amateur detective-mystery writer, but Dash, the brother, the friend, the boyfriend, and then some. 💕
“... if you ever needed proof Bobby knew me and loved me, this was it.”
It was endearing to see Dash and Bobby's bond grow. With no mysteries to be solved in sight, we get to see Bobby in a more playful light, too. one who still lights a spark in Dash's loins, sorry I meant, heart, but also cares deeply for him. 😏 One who when the time comes is not afraid or shy to confess how much his arrival to this little corner of Oregon led to him finding the better part of him - his home.
The final snapshot made me teary-eyed. Yeah, yeah, say what you like, but happily ever afters, as cheesy as they are - make me emotional. 💘 Look, I read through twelve cozy noirs, when cozy and I don't get along. I'm allowed this moment to bask in their moment in the spotlight. It was sweet, sentimental, slightly cliché, but their love was still so very them. 🥹
But, can we talk about those parting words?? The story is over, right? More mysteries to tell with other characters, in other universes, right??
Welp, who am I kidding, I'll still be back. 🙈
Review of advance copy received from Author
December 29, 2025 defines the end of a (cozy) era. Because these books have been coming out consistently since last year, it’s also been a time marker of sorts for me. So when I say seeing the release date of the short story collection gave a little shock to the system, that’s the truth. I’m in disbelief, but glad and oh so grateful it’s been a constant, warm hug in the chaos of recent times.
I’ll miss them dearly! (Sobs over the title of the final short story 🥹)
I’ll miss them dearly! (Sobs over the title of the final short story 🥹)
January 12, 2026
A gorgeous collection of short stories from The Last Picks. After spending so long with these characters, it’s always going to be hard letting them go, so being able to see them all one last time was both bittersweet and heartwarming. Funny, sweet, and full of surprises, Expanded Universe is a marvellous send-off. Fans of Dashiell Dawson Dane will not be disappointed!
February 20, 2026
Lovely collection of shorts in this universe. Some are better than others, but I do think it adds richness to the universe.
January 11, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Expanded Universe is a short-story anthology that caps off Gregory Ashe’s wonderful Last Picks cozy mystery series. It features 15 stories, all but one of which were previously released in various places (though I hadn’t read any of them). The fifteenth and final story is brand new and exclusive to the collection.
The stories follow the order of the series, and each one starts by indicating where on the timeline the story falls, which is helpful in giving some context in terms of where the characters are on their journeys. As with the main series, all the stories are also narrated by Dash as our POV character, and they feel very much in the same style and tone of the other books. So series fans, this collection is going to be for you.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Expanded Universe is a short-story anthology that caps off Gregory Ashe’s wonderful Last Picks cozy mystery series. It features 15 stories, all but one of which were previously released in various places (though I hadn’t read any of them). The fifteenth and final story is brand new and exclusive to the collection.
The stories follow the order of the series, and each one starts by indicating where on the timeline the story falls, which is helpful in giving some context in terms of where the characters are on their journeys. As with the main series, all the stories are also narrated by Dash as our POV character, and they feel very much in the same style and tone of the other books. So series fans, this collection is going to be for you.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 18, 2026
Expanded Universe (The Last Picks 13 anthology)
By Gregory Ashe
Published by Hodgkin & Blount, 2025
Five stars
Each of these fourteen short stories expands on some aspect of what we devoted readers already know from having read the rest of The Last Picks books. Mostly, of course, they delve into the ramshackle personality of Dashiel Dawson Dane, would-be crime novelist and accidental owner of Hemlock House, a great Victorian mansion in the seaside Oregon town of Hastings Rock.
Only the first story, “Engineered Public Confession” diverges from the main theme of the other stories, in that its timeline precedes the first book, “Crime Magnet,” which sets up the whole series. This story is set in Providence, Rhode Island, when Dash is still living with his boyfriend Hugo. It’s the only story of the group that didn’t make me laugh. For example, something Dash says to Hugo chilled me: “Sometimes it feels like you don’t care what I want. Sometimes it feel sliek what I want doesn’t matter.” Likewise, something Hugo says to Dash, after he sells one of his own stories (which Dash hasn’t done yet), chilled me even more: “You won’t have to teach. You won’t have to write. You won’t have to do anything, not anymore.”
This is a surprisingly painful story, explaining how Dash ended up running away to Hastings Rock in the first place. It’s a reminder of the painful truth lingering under all of the madcap adventures we enjoy in the dozen “The Last Picks” novels.
I grew to love all of the characters in these books, and they all appear in this anthology, offering us a little more insight into each one. There’s a particularly powerful story that focuses on the Hemlock House denizens’ efforts to make sure Keme graduates from high school. It’s funny, as they all are, but is a stark reminder of just how rough Keme’s life was before he met Indira and came under the influence of Hemlock House (that’s even before Dash arrived on the scene).
It is very hard to let go of a particular well-loved series, and this anthology let me wallow in my happy memories of all these marvelous, amusing, but sharply pointed books. The books didn’t need this collection of stories (but for the first one, I think); but the readers, somehow, did need these stories.
By Gregory Ashe
Published by Hodgkin & Blount, 2025
Five stars
Each of these fourteen short stories expands on some aspect of what we devoted readers already know from having read the rest of The Last Picks books. Mostly, of course, they delve into the ramshackle personality of Dashiel Dawson Dane, would-be crime novelist and accidental owner of Hemlock House, a great Victorian mansion in the seaside Oregon town of Hastings Rock.
Only the first story, “Engineered Public Confession” diverges from the main theme of the other stories, in that its timeline precedes the first book, “Crime Magnet,” which sets up the whole series. This story is set in Providence, Rhode Island, when Dash is still living with his boyfriend Hugo. It’s the only story of the group that didn’t make me laugh. For example, something Dash says to Hugo chilled me: “Sometimes it feels like you don’t care what I want. Sometimes it feel sliek what I want doesn’t matter.” Likewise, something Hugo says to Dash, after he sells one of his own stories (which Dash hasn’t done yet), chilled me even more: “You won’t have to teach. You won’t have to write. You won’t have to do anything, not anymore.”
This is a surprisingly painful story, explaining how Dash ended up running away to Hastings Rock in the first place. It’s a reminder of the painful truth lingering under all of the madcap adventures we enjoy in the dozen “The Last Picks” novels.
I grew to love all of the characters in these books, and they all appear in this anthology, offering us a little more insight into each one. There’s a particularly powerful story that focuses on the Hemlock House denizens’ efforts to make sure Keme graduates from high school. It’s funny, as they all are, but is a stark reminder of just how rough Keme’s life was before he met Indira and came under the influence of Hemlock House (that’s even before Dash arrived on the scene).
It is very hard to let go of a particular well-loved series, and this anthology let me wallow in my happy memories of all these marvelous, amusing, but sharply pointed books. The books didn’t need this collection of stories (but for the first one, I think); but the readers, somehow, did need these stories.
December 29, 2025
Que agridulce es despedir The Last Picks (por ahora... ?). Esta saga pasó a ser mi favorita de cozy mystery.
Es una mezcla con tanto buenos elementos: de por sí Gregory sabe escribir muy bien, y hay que sumarle un protagonista que amas desde la primera página, y amas de igual forma su found family (Keme, Indira, Fox, Millie y Bobby), y tiene un romance que comienza no de la forma más fácil pero que florece en una historia hermosa, y además hay una ambientación que me encanta y misterios entretenidos con su dosis de drama y momentos de infarto. Lo disfruté de principio a fin.
Recuerdo que para los primeros libros (con Dash y Bobby en ese slow romance desesperante) hice una maratón en la que casi no dormí por 3 días jajaja así de atrapada estaba. Y este final es perfecto.
Las historias extras las había leído casi todas porque el autor las manda al newsletter (sugiero inscribirse), así que solo me faltan leer un par. Por sobre todo quería leer la última historia extra y obviamente lloré. De emoción y felicidad. Las palabras de Dash y Bobby fueron la promesa perfecta. Así que aquí me veo secandome las lagrimas gracias a otra fabulosa saga por parte de Gregory Ashe.
"And before everything else, Bobby, you were my friend.
Before everything else, he investigated you for murder!"
Es una mezcla con tanto buenos elementos: de por sí Gregory sabe escribir muy bien, y hay que sumarle un protagonista que amas desde la primera página, y amas de igual forma su found family (Keme, Indira, Fox, Millie y Bobby), y tiene un romance que comienza no de la forma más fácil pero que florece en una historia hermosa, y además hay una ambientación que me encanta y misterios entretenidos con su dosis de drama y momentos de infarto. Lo disfruté de principio a fin.
Recuerdo que para los primeros libros (con Dash y Bobby en ese slow romance desesperante) hice una maratón en la que casi no dormí por 3 días jajaja así de atrapada estaba. Y este final es perfecto.
Las historias extras las había leído casi todas porque el autor las manda al newsletter (sugiero inscribirse), así que solo me faltan leer un par. Por sobre todo quería leer la última historia extra y obviamente lloré. De emoción y felicidad. Las palabras de Dash y Bobby fueron la promesa perfecta. Así que aquí me veo secandome las lagrimas gracias a otra fabulosa saga por parte de Gregory Ashe.
"And before everything else, Bobby, you were my friend.
Before everything else, he investigated you for murder!"
Read
January 3, 2026The Expanded Universe is a set of short stories that take place throughout the entire Last Picks series. There's fun, laughter, and love all around as Dash & Co. live their lives in between solving every mystery in Hastings Rock, all wrapped up in a sweet, perfect ending.
I won't lie and say I remember every short story, I think there's like ten, but I do know that I loved them all. Ashe does this for all his series and I love the slice of life stories in between the heaviness of the main series (not that The Last Picks is heavy at all). The stories tend to round out the characters, give some context to their lives, and are all around a good time.
I will say, the last story is a must read. I cried, I laughed, I loved the entire thing and I couldn't be more happy for Bobby and Dash. I'm tearing up just thinking about it, it truly was a perfect ending for them!
Read if you like:
• short stories
• found family
• friends to lovers
•••••••••••••••••••••
I won't lie and say I remember every short story, I think there's like ten, but I do know that I loved them all. Ashe does this for all his series and I love the slice of life stories in between the heaviness of the main series (not that The Last Picks is heavy at all). The stories tend to round out the characters, give some context to their lives, and are all around a good time.
I will say, the last story is a must read. I cried, I laughed, I loved the entire thing and I couldn't be more happy for Bobby and Dash. I'm tearing up just thinking about it, it truly was a perfect ending for them!
Read if you like:
• short stories
• found family
• friends to lovers
•••••••••••••••••••••
June 23, 2026
I went into this having only 1 book in the series. So I knew I was missing a lot of history, but I still found myself getting attached to Dash, Bobby, Keme, and the rest of the crew. Some of the callbacks and character moments probably hit harder for longtime fans, but Gregory Ashe's writing made it easy to settle in and enjoy the ride anyway. There aren't any big mysteries to solve here, just the little moments that let these characters shine, and that's what made the collection work for me. It felt like spending extra time with a group of friends I was only just getting to know, and by the end, I could absolutely see why readers love them so much. The humor, heart, and found-family vibes carried me through, and that last story managed to sneak up on me emotionally more than I expected. If nothing else, this collection convinced me that I need to go back and read the entire series because clearly I've been missing out.
May 21, 2026
This collection brings all of the short stories that were offered to subscribers to Gregory Ashe who received his newsletters. They were little bridges to keep us sated while we waited for the next full novel. Not always related to the one before or the one coming, these were often just about the relationships between the last picks. All were fun and added to the enjoyment of these characters. The collection does contain one previously unreleased short in which Dash and Bobby tie the knot. It was funny, and heartfelt and the vows spoken really echoed the journey that we as the reader had seen these two beloved characters come on. Bravo for that. The best part, however, is the tease in the final words - "Because you know the thing about my favorite books? There are always more stories to tell." I really hope this means we may return to Hastings Rock at some time in the future.
August 3, 2026
D'habitude je ne suis pas une grande fan des nouvelles, mais vu que le résumé m'avait promis pour la dernière, le mariage de Dash et Bobby... j'ai tenté l'expérience, sans grande conviction, il faut l'avouer. Si la première nouvelle est intéressante vu qu'elle nous présente Dash "avant" qu'il ne s'enfuit pour devenir l'assistant de Vivienne... lorsqu'il vivait avec Hugo. Et l'on voit le chemin parcouru depuis ! Et peu à peu, à coup de petites histoires le plus souvent drolatiques, on effeuille les mois, les fêtes, les évènements vécus par tous les personnages en deux ans.
Je retiens, Keme et Dash faisant le ménage sous la supervision de Bobby... mais il y a de vrais autres moments hilarants. Mais, c'est bien évidemment le mariage que l'on retient avec attendrissement. C'est le final "final"... Mais on ne peut qu'espérer qu'il y aura une suite !
Je retiens, Keme et Dash faisant le ménage sous la supervision de Bobby... mais il y a de vrais autres moments hilarants. Mais, c'est bien évidemment le mariage que l'on retient avec attendrissement. C'est le final "final"... Mais on ne peut qu'espérer qu'il y aura une suite !
January 2, 2026
This companion book to the series is a must have. Every little story there brings something to the Last Picks Universe, the characters or their relationships. So many favourites but the one who owns my heart is "Found Family".
SO sad to say good-bye to characters that have come to feel like best friends. I hope we'll see them again soon
SO sad to say good-bye to characters that have come to feel like best friends. I hope we'll see them again soon
June 24, 2026
Oh, what fun!!!
I totally forgot about Dottie!
I loved seeing Bobby at home and normal. He's kind of funny.
No one was left out and it all was so much and the best gift. But the end? OH MY GOD! Tears!
Beauty!
I totally forgot about Dottie!
I loved seeing Bobby at home and normal. He's kind of funny.
No one was left out and it all was so much and the best gift. But the end? OH MY GOD! Tears!
Beauty!
December 31, 2025
Beautiful.
January 11, 2026
A collection of around 15 short stories featuring Dash and the gang.
Nice to see them again and of course the wedding at the end, just perfect.
Nice to see them again and of course the wedding at the end, just perfect.
February 16, 2026
Filling in the blanks
This is a series of short stories that occur between books within the last picks series. It's worth reading and has a very touching conclusion.
This is a series of short stories that occur between books within the last picks series. It's worth reading and has a very touching conclusion.
April 20, 2026
story line: ****
main characters: *****
side characters: *****
world building: ***
editing: *****
main characters: *****
side characters: *****
world building: ***
editing: *****
July 5, 2026
This was a great collection of shorts that revisit all your favorites from the series. From moves, to holidays, to the big day it was fun getting to see where everyone is at.
July 23, 2026
I just absolutely LOVE the Last Picks. Ashe writes the most real characters so whenever I get to visit again, it's like coming home.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews