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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
About the author
Gregory Ashe
153 books1,898 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 17, 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
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
January 13, 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)
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.
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).
October 17, 2026
A hoot (an audio review)
Dag and Eli are such a cute couple – even a bit of opposites attract. I was thrilled to find them back for these shorts. A view into their lives.
Eli is still unsure of himself and Dag’s parents are still amazing. But the men’s relationship has moved into a new phase and I loved that. From the housewarming party where Eli struggles a bit to the day they try to avoid doing housework (I can totally relate) through to their actual wedding, I was along for the ride.
One never knows if Gregory will go back to these guys – they’ve sure been fun to watch as they progressed into their HEA.
Declan Winters is one of my favorite narrators and his southern accent was fantastic. Won’t hesitate to pick up something by him again.
Dag and Eli are such a cute couple – even a bit of opposites attract. I was thrilled to find them back for these shorts. A view into their lives.
Eli is still unsure of himself and Dag’s parents are still amazing. But the men’s relationship has moved into a new phase and I loved that. From the housewarming party where Eli struggles a bit to the day they try to avoid doing housework (I can totally relate) through to their actual wedding, I was along for the ride.
One never knows if Gregory will go back to these guys – they’ve sure been fun to watch as they progressed into their HEA.
Declan Winters is one of my favorite narrators and his southern accent was fantastic. Won’t hesitate to pick up something by him again.
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 5, 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!
Read
September 28, 2026Dag and Eli without any of that supernatural nonsense getting in the way, what's not to love?
Housewarming
Dag and Eli officially enter their Domestic Era! I loved seeing people outside of the series, friends from the past and new acquaintances. It definitely gives some more depth for when they are mentioned later in the series. Also just love seeing Eli and Dag building a home together.
Housekeeping
Literally the epitome of their relationship. Everyday moments full of sass, laughter, and love. What more could you want? Heartwarming and heart wrenching moments all around the holidays? Don't worry, there's plenty of that too.
Second Line
Oh my goodness, Dag got me in that first chapter. I love how he wanted a wedding at the aquarium but let Eli have his special moment. I think it's something Eli really needed, though I do wish it was a double wedding and they did both the aquarium and the beautiful outdoor wedding! I love it all, I love love, and I need more of these two in their married life!
Read if you like:
• paranormal
• hurt/comfort
• short stories/novella
•••••••••••••••••••
Housewarming
Dag and Eli officially enter their Domestic Era! I loved seeing people outside of the series, friends from the past and new acquaintances. It definitely gives some more depth for when they are mentioned later in the series. Also just love seeing Eli and Dag building a home together.
Housekeeping
Literally the epitome of their relationship. Everyday moments full of sass, laughter, and love. What more could you want? Heartwarming and heart wrenching moments all around the holidays? Don't worry, there's plenty of that too.
Second Line
Oh my goodness, Dag got me in that first chapter. I love how he wanted a wedding at the aquarium but let Eli have his special moment. I think it's something Eli really needed, though I do wish it was a double wedding and they did both the aquarium and the beautiful outdoor wedding! I love it all, I love love, and I need more of these two in their married life!
Read if you like:
• paranormal
• hurt/comfort
• short stories/novella
•••••••••••••••••••
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.
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 29, 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.
May 3, 2026
This was a tease having me craving a re-read of the whole series. Love that Gregory Ashe is releasing all his shorts in audible. And Declan Winters does the best Dag voice. The Louisiana accent just comes through. Loved the wedding planning bonus. This was such a great short dip back into the series.
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
June 7, 2026Companion novel to the DuPage Parrish Mysteries
February 17, 2023
re-read (first in this collection) (DuPage Parish Mysteries, #1.5) - 2/12/23
May 23, 2026
**audiobook review**
This is Book 4 of The DuPage Parish Mysteries, a collection of short stories. featuring amateur monster hunters Dag and Eli. This was a really fun visit to Dag and Eli’s relationship san monsters trying to kill them. We get a more intimate and emotional view of their love and how it stands up to some adversity. There are also some wedding planning hiccups which are both funny and profound. And of course we get more of Dag’s awesome parents. If you are a fan of the series you will definitely want to listen to this sweet conclusion. Declan Winters gives a masterful performance. A+++
I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
This is Book 4 of The DuPage Parish Mysteries, a collection of short stories. featuring amateur monster hunters Dag and Eli. This was a really fun visit to Dag and Eli’s relationship san monsters trying to kill them. We get a more intimate and emotional view of their love and how it stands up to some adversity. There are also some wedding planning hiccups which are both funny and profound. And of course we get more of Dag’s awesome parents. If you are a fan of the series you will definitely want to listen to this sweet conclusion. Declan Winters gives a masterful performance. A+++
I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.
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.
***review update for audiobook***
Listening to the audiobook has me pining for another addition to the DuPage Parish series. Declan Winters' smooth voice, even delivery, and pleasant accents have inspired me to listen to the series from beginning to end again. If you enjoyed the first three books of the series, this audiobook is a must-listen.
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.
***review update for audiobook***
Listening to the audiobook has me pining for another addition to the DuPage Parish series. Declan Winters' smooth voice, even delivery, and pleasant accents have inspired me to listen to the series from beginning to end again. If you enjoyed the first three books of the series, this audiobook is a must-listen.
December 30, 2024
I was given the audiobook as an advanced listener. This second opportunity to visit this book has made me upgrade my review to five.
This collection of short stories enables us to see Dag and Eli outside of having to fight against dark things. Here we get the everyday of moving house, a house-warming, meeting family and friends and the build-up to a wedding. There are some sweet moments, but also a few moments that made me laugh out loud, and not only at Dag's irrepressible parents.
I'm still smiling.
This collection of short stories enables us to see Dag and Eli outside of having to fight against dark things. Here we get the everyday of moving house, a house-warming, meeting family and friends and the build-up to a wedding. There are some sweet moments, but also a few moments that made me laugh out loud, and not only at Dag's irrepressible parents.
I'm still smiling.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews