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The DuPage Parish Mysteries #4
Second Line
You don’t have to die to get a second line, but it’s easier than getting married.
Second Line is a collection of short stories connected to The DuPage Parish Mysteries. It includes the following:
“Housewarming”
Dag and Eli host a housewarming party at their home in New Orleans—but not without a few bumps along the way. This story is set after Stray Fears.
“Housekeeping”
Dag and Eli go about their lives while trying to avoid chores. This story is set after Cascade Hunger.
“Second Line”
A series of vignettes leading up to Dag and Eli’s wedding. This story is set after Lethal Control.
Please note that the first two stories were distributed previously in various formats.
“Second Line” is exclusively available in this collection.
Second Line is a collection of short stories connected to The DuPage Parish Mysteries. It includes the following:
“Housewarming”
Dag and Eli host a housewarming party at their home in New Orleans—but not without a few bumps along the way. This story is set after Stray Fears.
“Housekeeping”
Dag and Eli go about their lives while trying to avoid chores. This story is set after Cascade Hunger.
“Second Line”
A series of vignettes leading up to Dag and Eli’s wedding. This story is set after Lethal Control.
Please note that the first two stories were distributed previously in various formats.
“Second Line” is exclusively available in this collection.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2022
14 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,789 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 7, 2022
out now! at the end of the fever dream that’s *four* back-to-back releases - get your latest dose of Dag & Eli before entering DuPage hibernation.
YEAH I TEARED UP READING THE FINAL SHORT, WHATCHU GONNA DO ABOUT IT 🤧
my eyes were already swollen from a lack of sleep anyway (somebody might have stayed up late watching the Devils make an incredible comeback in the third period two nights ago and it’s still impacting them now), so we’ll just say adding to the fluid buildup around the eyes was all part of the plan.
i said it in my Lethal Control review but i'll say it again: Dag and Eli are truly the yin and yang of each other's lives. opposite but interconnected forces. two halves only whole together. i adore how they unabashedly stand up for each other, and how their relationship emphasizes the message that we're all works in progress who deserve love and happiness.
the title is so sweet and clever—keep an extra eye out in book 3 and you'll surely make the connection—and Dag continues to be the most patient & ideal partner.
the only reason i am deducting a star is the choice of .
but besides that, this was such an endearing way to sign off their arc, and as always, GA left a few threads open in book 3, so i wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to write up more for these two one day. i very much look forward to this hypothetical moment he gets hit with a spark of inspiration! 😌
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
----pre-release thoughts----
y'all know the drill, no peeking at the blurb of Greg's future books unless you want to encounter some possible spoils re: the story thus far *pretends i didn't read the first line myself*
i'm talking to you, Fred
YEAH I TEARED UP READING THE FINAL SHORT, WHATCHU GONNA DO ABOUT IT 🤧
my eyes were already swollen from a lack of sleep anyway (somebody might have stayed up late watching the Devils make an incredible comeback in the third period two nights ago and it’s still impacting them now), so we’ll just say adding to the fluid buildup around the eyes was all part of the plan.
i said it in my Lethal Control review but i'll say it again: Dag and Eli are truly the yin and yang of each other's lives. opposite but interconnected forces. two halves only whole together. i adore how they unabashedly stand up for each other, and how their relationship emphasizes the message that we're all works in progress who deserve love and happiness.
the title is so sweet and clever—keep an extra eye out in book 3 and you'll surely make the connection—and Dag continues to be the most patient & ideal partner.
the only reason i am deducting a star is the choice of .
but besides that, this was such an endearing way to sign off their arc, and as always, GA left a few threads open in book 3, so i wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to write up more for these two one day. i very much look forward to this hypothetical moment he gets hit with a spark of inspiration! 😌
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
----pre-release thoughts----
y'all know the drill, no peeking at the blurb of Greg's future books unless you want to encounter some possible spoils re: the story thus far *pretends i didn't read the first line myself*
i'm talking to you, Fred
February 1, 2023
Housewarming: 3 stars
Housekeeping: 4 stars
Second line: 3.5 stars (this really should’ve just been an epilogue to book 3)
Housekeeping: 4 stars
Second line: 3.5 stars (this really should’ve just been an epilogue to book 3)
November 6, 2022
I'm so sad this is over!
Don't get me wrong, I'm super happy with where Greg leaves Dag and Eli. The last short is so sweet and funny, the perfect goodbye for Greg's sweetest and funniest couple. But how I wished this series had six or seven or heck 10 books. I love these guys so much I wanted more time with them. More time in New Orleans, in this amazing universe Greg created where we get to peek beyond the curtain of reality as we know it and enter a world where witchcraft is real and monsters are walking among us.
Surely it's not too crazy to go back to Stray Fears straight away for a re-read? Asking for a friend
Don't get me wrong, I'm super happy with where Greg leaves Dag and Eli. The last short is so sweet and funny, the perfect goodbye for Greg's sweetest and funniest couple. But how I wished this series had six or seven or heck 10 books. I love these guys so much I wanted more time with them. More time in New Orleans, in this amazing universe Greg created where we get to peek beyond the curtain of reality as we know it and enter a world where witchcraft is real and monsters are walking among us.
Surely it's not too crazy to go back to Stray Fears straight away for a re-read? Asking for a friend
July 8, 2023
Find yourself a person who will shimmy up a downspout for you.❤️❤️❤️
November 3, 2022
Delightful and fun.
Eli being his most high maintenanced self and Dag being a perfect 10.
Also, watermelon cake…shame on you Gregory Ashe for even going there.
Eli being his most high maintenanced self and Dag being a perfect 10.
Also, watermelon cake…shame on you Gregory Ashe for even going there.
June 25, 2023
He considered me for a moment. Just me. Like I was the only thing in his world. Then he spun the hat so it sat backwards on my head, crouched, and lifted me over his shoulder. I laughed and pretended to kick. “What are you doing?”
“You know what,” he said. Then he smacked my ass. His stubble scraped the sensitive skin there as he said, “You always get what you want, don’t you?”
Pretty much, I thought, laughing again as he bounced me. Pretty much always. You make sure of that.
Ah, I'm so sad this ended. I have no words left to read of these two, such a cruel world. I need to find a way to convince Gregory Ashe to come back to these boys. He doesn't even have to write full novels, just write stories of the caliber and charm of the three that's in this collection and I swear I will have enough Eli and Dag with that. I love them so much.
November 2, 2022
God, but these stories are good!
Three short stories in which Eli and Dag don't have to deal with any supernatural horror, just, you know, the usual horrors of family, friends and :P
They are funny, warm and with the right quota of emotion and I love, love, love them! I hope we'll get more of these characters, Halloween wouldn't be the same without them ♥
Three short stories in which Eli and Dag don't have to deal with any supernatural horror, just, you know, the usual horrors of family, friends and :P
They are funny, warm and with the right quota of emotion and I love, love, love them! I hope we'll get more of these characters, Halloween wouldn't be the same without them ♥
November 2, 2022
This is such a sweet and refreshing reading. I always love Ashe's short stories, which usually take some time off from the angst and thrillers, and just lets the couple be (cute) together. This one is particularly cute, and I loved the interactions between them and the easy way they understand each other and take care of the other's needs and feelings. I especially liked the first story, where we can see each of them defend the other in a difficult interaction, but it's also very noticeable at the other stories. Overall I love this couple, and have enjoyed this book very much.
December 20, 2022
This was fine… I think whenever I read this kind of “bonus” short story collection I’m disappointed. There’s never going to be as much plot as I really want there to be for the page count bc by definition these stories are the extra material.
If anything, I would say I liked the first few of these more than the last few because the first few were more comedic while the last few were more about wrapping up the romance (and I’m just not the kind of romance reader that *needs* to see the characters make it to the altar).
If anything, I would say I liked the first few of these more than the last few because the first few were more comedic while the last few were more about wrapping up the romance (and I’m just not the kind of romance reader that *needs* to see the characters make it to the altar).
December 12, 2022
2 1/2 stars rounded up. The low rating is definitely partly my fault. I saw the title “part 4” and didn’t read the synopsis before purchasing which clearly stated this was a collection of shorts. This just didn’t work for me but I should’ve read the synopsis before purchasing.
January 26, 2025
The best fun readers of their series can have. :)
November 6, 2022
Can I give more than five stars? This series of shorts was EXACTLY what I needed after finishing Lethal Control. Because while I loved Lethal Control, it got a bit dark in places and this? This little collection of cookies and rainbows and everything love? It was the balm my heart needed.
If you’ve read any Ashe series you know that his shorts are awesome. Full of humour and sweetness and all the little moments we love between his characters. Second Line did not disappoint. From the housewarming party from hell to the happy ending we’ve been waiting for, it takes us along for the ride that is Dag and Eli in love.
There are three stories, each from a different moment in the series:
1) Housewarming takes place after the events of the first book, Stray Fears, and – as the name implies – is about Dag and Eli throwing a party to celebrate the home they bought together. We get to see different aspects of their worlds collide, including Eli’s bitchy high-fashion friends, Dag’s elitist fellow students from his new university department, and of course, Dag’s oversexed parents. Needless to say, it’s a time.
2) Housekeeping takes place after the second book, Cascade Hunger, and sees us follow the boys through some of the moments of their lives. It’s got shovel talks, cemetery visits, gay clubs, and mulch moving (Is it a euphemism? Read to find out!).
3) Second Line takes place after the final book, Lethal Control, and I’m not saying a thing about it except that it’s love love love and you need to read it.
In fact, that pretty much goes for this whole collection. It’s got fantastic dialogue, all the good feelings, little hits of hard stuff just to keep it from being too sweet, and a metric tonne of Dag and Eli being Dag and Eli. It was a wonderful read. I adored it and you will too.
Note: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’ve read any Ashe series you know that his shorts are awesome. Full of humour and sweetness and all the little moments we love between his characters. Second Line did not disappoint. From the housewarming party from hell to the happy ending we’ve been waiting for, it takes us along for the ride that is Dag and Eli in love.
There are three stories, each from a different moment in the series:
1) Housewarming takes place after the events of the first book, Stray Fears, and – as the name implies – is about Dag and Eli throwing a party to celebrate the home they bought together. We get to see different aspects of their worlds collide, including Eli’s bitchy high-fashion friends, Dag’s elitist fellow students from his new university department, and of course, Dag’s oversexed parents. Needless to say, it’s a time.
2) Housekeeping takes place after the second book, Cascade Hunger, and sees us follow the boys through some of the moments of their lives. It’s got shovel talks, cemetery visits, gay clubs, and mulch moving (Is it a euphemism? Read to find out!).
3) Second Line takes place after the final book, Lethal Control, and I’m not saying a thing about it except that it’s love love love and you need to read it.
In fact, that pretty much goes for this whole collection. It’s got fantastic dialogue, all the good feelings, little hits of hard stuff just to keep it from being too sweet, and a metric tonne of Dag and Eli being Dag and Eli. It was a wonderful read. I adored it and you will too.
Note: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2022
"You always get what you want, don't you?"
Pretty much, I thought, laughing again as he bounced me. Pretty much always. You make sure of that.
I love Dag and Eli so much and I'm sad this series is over. These short stories give us a break from the monsters to provide domestic fluff, emotionally poignant moments, and of course, some hilarious interjections from Dag's parents.
I loved the final conversation between Dag and Eli in the last short story; it proves once again that Dag is the most steadfast, unconditionally loving partner anyone could hope for. The only thing that spoiled my enjoyment of this story is that
That being said, this was a lovely way to end this arc, and I hope we get more of Dag and Eli in the future. It's not Halloween without them!
October 31, 2022
They're getting married!!!!! I love Eli and Dag so much, they're some of my most favourite of Gregory Ashe's characters. Second Line are short stories set in and around the main books of the Du Page Parish Mysteries, showing life for Eli and Dag between battling supernatural beings. I love these short story volumes, I love how they make the characters so much more human and indelible. I love how the writing is genuinely funny and makes me laugh out loud, but also the characters find each other funny, and it just makes any book by Gregory Ashe a delight to read. I really, REALLY hope this isn't the end of Eli and Dag and they're back to do battle against New Orleans other-weirdly creatures in future. Thank you, as always, to Gregory Ashe, for an ARC of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
Fun read with some sweet moments.
The interludes between stories in any of Gregory Ashe's series are always a treat. Eli and Dag have some very entertaining interactions and we also get a glimpse of Dag's parents and Kennedy.
The last story was a lovely finale that summed up Eli and Dag's relationship perfectly. This was a great wrap up to the series, but I wouldn't object to seeing more of these characters. If you enjoyed the DuPage series, this is a must read.
The interludes between stories in any of Gregory Ashe's series are always a treat. Eli and Dag have some very entertaining interactions and we also get a glimpse of Dag's parents and Kennedy.
The last story was a lovely finale that summed up Eli and Dag's relationship perfectly. This was a great wrap up to the series, but I wouldn't object to seeing more of these characters. If you enjoyed the DuPage series, this is a must read.
November 7, 2022
Three short stories in which Eli and Dag are dealing with life and not supernatural horror. Which could be worse!
I love the connection and chemistry between these two guys. The way they look out for and take care of each other is so sweet.
Getting to spend time with them in their everyday life is perfect.
I love the connection and chemistry between these two guys. The way they look out for and take care of each other is so sweet.
Getting to spend time with them in their everyday life is perfect.
March 30, 2025
Thank you "Little Bit Whacked Elf"
3.75 Stars
Good end to the series
I enjoyed the little snippets in-between the books, especially the last one which was the perfect good bye to Dag and Eli. They've come along way and make a great couple, proved by Dag as he shimmied up the down pipe knowing Eli was struggling.
I lied through this series that Eli is a work in progress. He takes steps forward and then steps back but there is no easy fix.
3.75 Stars
Good end to the series
I enjoyed the little snippets in-between the books, especially the last one which was the perfect good bye to Dag and Eli. They've come along way and make a great couple, proved by Dag as he shimmied up the down pipe knowing Eli was struggling.
I lied through this series that Eli is a work in progress. He takes steps forward and then steps back but there is no easy fix.
July 7, 2023
After reading the three main books in the DuPage Parish Mysteries, I really needed another Eli and Dag fix! This absolutely hit the spot and the final story, taking place after the events of the books, was the ultimate treat.
August 17, 2023
3.5 stars
I didn’t realise this was a book of shorts until I started reading so was kinda disappointed the series was over but these were still fun lil glimpses into what happens in Eli and Dag’s lives between books.
I didn’t realise this was a book of shorts until I started reading so was kinda disappointed the series was over but these were still fun lil glimpses into what happens in Eli and Dag’s lives between books.
January 26, 2024
very fun!
It was a treat to get a few more morsels of Eli and Dag. And the Three Evil Gays, and the Scandinavian baker, and Cookie….. these were all new characters that added to the sweet hilarity of each Eli&Dag vignette.
It was a treat to get a few more morsels of Eli and Dag. And the Three Evil Gays, and the Scandinavian baker, and Cookie….. these were all new characters that added to the sweet hilarity of each Eli&Dag vignette.
November 7, 2022
Great Addition.
I loved these little glimpses into Dag and Eli’s life. Highly recommend after reading the initial series.
I love his couples!
I loved these little glimpses into Dag and Eli’s life. Highly recommend after reading the initial series.
I love his couples!
November 18, 2022
fingers crossed we get a cheeky short story or something next halloween! i’m not ready to let dag and eli go yet
read-in-part
June 17, 2023Housewarming: Set after Stray Fears. Cute, but I agree that Dag and Eli need new friends.
March 13, 2023
re-read (first in this collection) (DuPage Parish Mysteries, #1.5) - 2/12/23
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews