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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Sometimes the perfect book pops up at the perfect time. Dude Magnet is the distraction from real life that I needed. I was having a dreadful week because Significant Other was on a work trip, the dog was acting bratty without Significant Other around, I was starting to come down with a summer cold, and someone broke the driver's side window of my car and stole my bag with my wallet. Yeah, I was having a dreadful week. Then, the Audible code for Dude Magnet showed up in my email inbox. Suddenly, life was a bit brighter.
As difficult as my week had become, Dash's was a bit worse. Even though this is a cozy mystery series, Gregory Ashe isn't cutting his characters any slack in the emotional torment department. Dash's ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, the plans for the wedding at Hemlock House encounter a snag, Dash stumbles upon a murder, and local law enforcement warns Dash not to interfere with the murder case. The Last Picks gang refuses to be deterred by a warning from law enforcement. Dash's crew of misfits is determined to help him find the real killer. Their antics while trying to solve the murder were a delightful break from real-life drama and put my personal challenges into perspective.
This book is a blast. The characters are charming. The mystery is engrossing, and the narration is spectacular. Every character's voice matches my impression of the individual. Andrew Gibson does a wonderful job of offering a smooth performance that feels like someone is telling me a story rather than just reading a book out loud. If you like cozy mysteries, Scooby Doo cartoons, smoothly performed narration, and an emotionally tormented main character, this is an excellent audio book to listen to.
As difficult as my week had become, Dash's was a bit worse. Even though this is a cozy mystery series, Gregory Ashe isn't cutting his characters any slack in the emotional torment department. Dash's ex-boyfriend shows up unexpectedly, the plans for the wedding at Hemlock House encounter a snag, Dash stumbles upon a murder, and local law enforcement warns Dash not to interfere with the murder case. The Last Picks gang refuses to be deterred by a warning from law enforcement. Dash's crew of misfits is determined to help him find the real killer. Their antics while trying to solve the murder were a delightful break from real-life drama and put my personal challenges into perspective.
This book is a blast. The characters are charming. The mystery is engrossing, and the narration is spectacular. Every character's voice matches my impression of the individual. Andrew Gibson does a wonderful job of offering a smooth performance that feels like someone is telling me a story rather than just reading a book out loud. If you like cozy mysteries, Scooby Doo cartoons, smoothly performed narration, and an emotionally tormented main character, this is an excellent audio book to listen to.
Another episode of enjoyable chaos unfolds for Dash and The Last Picks as a wealthy, entitled wedding party descends on Hemlock House - and Dash has to face his ever-so-plausible ex.
There are so many things making this fun: Dash's narration, which feels fresh and familiar all at once, the rapid fire dialogue between the group of friends, and the emotional depths explored as Dash is all too literally confronted by his past. I like how distinct everyone's communication style is, and the fact that they range from young Gen X through millennials to Gen Z, creating a rich dynamic that includes Dash effortlessly and pleasingly.
We get to see more of what Dash was running from, and how difficult it is to disentangle himself from Hugo's emotional claims on him. There is the sense of anxiety that his newer acquaintance might be as easily influenced as his old friends, and the impossibility of clearing the way to be open with the alluring Deputy Bobby. The mystery plot is racy, pacy fun of course, but it opens up questions of what characters value and how they choose which influences structure their lives in ways that reflect on Dash, and ultimately the driving force is Dash's determination to stand by his friends.
There are a couple of practical things that I wanted to be more fleshed out, like what have they all been living on, and where was Indira getting all these ingredients when she wasn't getting paid anymore? But that's probably slightly against the spirit of cosy escapism and I can give it a pass on those grounds. For me, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I look forward to learning more: what are Indira's and Keme's past histories? Just what does Fox get up to in their van? Is there an upper limit to Millie's vocal range? The Hastings Rock gang is just what I want from a cosy cast: a very funny, vivid, warm group of unruly beings who already feel like friends.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There are so many things making this fun: Dash's narration, which feels fresh and familiar all at once, the rapid fire dialogue between the group of friends, and the emotional depths explored as Dash is all too literally confronted by his past. I like how distinct everyone's communication style is, and the fact that they range from young Gen X through millennials to Gen Z, creating a rich dynamic that includes Dash effortlessly and pleasingly.
We get to see more of what Dash was running from, and how difficult it is to disentangle himself from Hugo's emotional claims on him. There is the sense of anxiety that his newer acquaintance might be as easily influenced as his old friends, and the impossibility of clearing the way to be open with the alluring Deputy Bobby. The mystery plot is racy, pacy fun of course, but it opens up questions of what characters value and how they choose which influences structure their lives in ways that reflect on Dash, and ultimately the driving force is Dash's determination to stand by his friends.
There are a couple of practical things that I wanted to be more fleshed out, like what have they all been living on, and where was Indira getting all these ingredients when she wasn't getting paid anymore? But that's probably slightly against the spirit of cosy escapism and I can give it a pass on those grounds. For me, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I look forward to learning more: what are Indira's and Keme's past histories? Just what does Fox get up to in their van? Is there an upper limit to Millie's vocal range? The Hastings Rock gang is just what I want from a cosy cast: a very funny, vivid, warm group of unruly beings who already feel like friends.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
In this second book we get to know more about Dash and his reasons for moving to Hastings Rock. Dash is trying to find who he outside of his parent's pressure, outside of a relationship, and figuring out what he wants his future to look like. All that is challenged when his ex Hugo shows up at Hemlock House. At the same time, a couple is renting Hemlock House as a venue for their wedding and there is no shortage of family drama, and apparently murder.
Honestly the case bummed me out though I liked that it paralleled what Dash was feeling. Both of the sons were trying to figure themselves out in their own ways, and it really sucks that they never got that chance. It hit Dash a little harder than normal because he saw so much of himself in the victims. But the case along with Hugo showing up also solidified that he made the right choice to prioritize himself. Dash is having doubts about his future and when Hugo shows up and offers an easy way out, Dash is able to remain true to himself and what he wants.
The ending though. Deputy Bobby, how could you! Everything that Dash felt in his last relationship, Bobby is going through now. Bobby questions Dash about how he knew he was ready to move on and you can tell he's really struggling. But I guess in the end, he was able to figure out a different way forward. And again in its own way, having to rehash and reflect on the reasons why he and Hugo didn't work helped Dash feel more certain in his decisions.
The Last Picks are amazing, as I suspect they always will be. Lots of comedic relief but also really supportive friends all in their own ways. They're an eclectic mix but have each other's backs. I'm glad Dash has found a family to rally behind him and support him because I feel like there's a lot more to come for this group!
Read if you like:
• cozy mysteries
• small town
• found family
• romance that will eventually come after multiple books of sweet sexual tension
•••••••••••••••••••••
Cozy, my ass! Who spread that rumor that this was GA lite? Was it me? Did I completely make that up? Why would I believe such nonsense.
Here's me whistling along, telling myself to enjoy a cozy mystery (even though that's not my thing), and just appreciate the writing and story. Not everything needs to be painful... right?
Wrong!
I'm laughing at my naiveté here. It's only book two. It's going to be a very long year and a half.
Pain and agony aside, book two was better than book one. Millie is in fact toned down, now she's simply enthusiastic and vibrant, as opposed to "shut up, stop talking, I can't stand you" levels.
The Last Picks group is still getting themselves into trouble and sticking their noses where they think they belong.
The mystery was fun, Dash going on a date and getting some side-eye from Bobby was great, Bobby getting hammered and all that was...yes, and no, and yay, and ouch.
I don't want to talk about Hugo. Abusive people are often charismatic and charming with everyone, so that worked. I just had a hard time with Dash apologizing and being manipulated into feeling bad for Hugo. Meanwhile everyone else is fawning over the ex. Yuck. Can't wait until that issue comes popping back up. Sounds cozy, right?
I highlighted close to 1/3 of this book, Dash and Deputy Bobby were in top form. I could read about their not romantic adventures all day long.
Oh, that's right, we can't. Because Ashe won't let us. LOL. (Also, what does that say about me that I'm happy for some pain and suffering?)
Favorite moments:
• Ease up on the judgment, please. My internal thesaurus doesn’t work when I’m stressed.
• And Deputy Bobby was literally what every guy was looking for. Objectively, I mean. Like, objectively, he had a face. And arms. And a butt.
• He turned in his seat. He had a perfect, razor-sharp part in his hair. A perfect, razor-sharp jawline. Have I mentioned he had a perfect face?
• “You can’t get diabetes from syrup,” I said—although, to be fair, I had used a considerable amount of the jug over the last couple of months. “It’s from a tree. It’s basically a vegetable.” (This is true, BTW!
Here's me whistling along, telling myself to enjoy a cozy mystery (even though that's not my thing), and just appreciate the writing and story. Not everything needs to be painful... right?
Wrong!
I'm laughing at my naiveté here. It's only book two. It's going to be a very long year and a half.
Pain and agony aside, book two was better than book one. Millie is in fact toned down, now she's simply enthusiastic and vibrant, as opposed to "shut up, stop talking, I can't stand you" levels.
The Last Picks group is still getting themselves into trouble and sticking their noses where they think they belong.
The mystery was fun, Dash going on a date and getting some side-eye from Bobby was great, Bobby getting hammered and all that was...yes, and no, and yay, and ouch.
I don't want to talk about Hugo. Abusive people are often charismatic and charming with everyone, so that worked. I just had a hard time with Dash apologizing and being manipulated into feeling bad for Hugo. Meanwhile everyone else is fawning over the ex. Yuck. Can't wait until that issue comes popping back up. Sounds cozy, right?
I highlighted close to 1/3 of this book, Dash and Deputy Bobby were in top form. I could read about their not romantic adventures all day long.
Oh, that's right, we can't. Because Ashe won't let us. LOL. (Also, what does that say about me that I'm happy for some pain and suffering?)
Favorite moments:
• Ease up on the judgment, please. My internal thesaurus doesn’t work when I’m stressed.
• And Deputy Bobby was literally what every guy was looking for. Objectively, I mean. Like, objectively, he had a face. And arms. And a butt.
• He turned in his seat. He had a perfect, razor-sharp part in his hair. A perfect, razor-sharp jawline. Have I mentioned he had a perfect face?
• “You can’t get diabetes from syrup,” I said—although, to be fair, I had used a considerable amount of the jug over the last couple of months. “It’s from a tree. It’s basically a vegetable.” (This is true, BTW!
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
For someone who had spent a lifetime perfecting the fine art of avoiding confrontation, conflict, and any version of addressing his problems in a head-on and adult manner, this was an unmitigated disaster.
———
“I’m not saying I want you to burn Hemlock House down and make everyone believe I perished in a record-breaking inferno—”
“I know this is going to sound crazy,” Fox said, “but I’m even more invested in this plan when he says it like that.”
“—but I wouldn’t be angry if you did.”
———
Deputy Bobby had told me any number of times that he thought being called Deputy Bobby made him sound like a character in a kids’ show. Right then, he said a lot of words that, if he had been on a kids’ show, would have required an emergency cut to commercial.
“I understand you’re upset,” I said.
Another quick cut to commercial.
———
Another perfect 5 stars. Charming, quirky, clever, full of lovable characters and laughs, an engaging mystery, and surprising and earnest depth regarding love and choosing what’s right for oneself that you rarely find in a light and cozy setting.
Like any Ashe work, it’s all wrapped up in the highest quality of writing and has a flair that is uniquely his. I’m so thrilled we’ll have 10 more of this series coming.
I backed this one on Kickstarter and it’s absolutely a worthwhile Investment. I can’t wait for the audio; this is a series that is fun and quick and cozy enough I could see relistening to it over and over, while having depth and nuance that will keep it fresh and meaningful on repeat reads.
———
“I’m not saying I want you to burn Hemlock House down and make everyone believe I perished in a record-breaking inferno—”
“I know this is going to sound crazy,” Fox said, “but I’m even more invested in this plan when he says it like that.”
“—but I wouldn’t be angry if you did.”
———
Deputy Bobby had told me any number of times that he thought being called Deputy Bobby made him sound like a character in a kids’ show. Right then, he said a lot of words that, if he had been on a kids’ show, would have required an emergency cut to commercial.
“I understand you’re upset,” I said.
Another quick cut to commercial.
———
Another perfect 5 stars. Charming, quirky, clever, full of lovable characters and laughs, an engaging mystery, and surprising and earnest depth regarding love and choosing what’s right for oneself that you rarely find in a light and cozy setting.
Like any Ashe work, it’s all wrapped up in the highest quality of writing and has a flair that is uniquely his. I’m so thrilled we’ll have 10 more of this series coming.
I backed this one on Kickstarter and it’s absolutely a worthwhile Investment. I can’t wait for the audio; this is a series that is fun and quick and cozy enough I could see relistening to it over and over, while having depth and nuance that will keep it fresh and meaningful on repeat reads.