A review by laura_katie_j
Mystery Magnet by Gregory Ashe

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

What a wonderful start to the The Last Picks series!

Let’s begin with Dash. Dashiell Dawson Dane is our protagonist in Mystery Magnet, and he’s an utterly charming character to be in the POV of. He’s snarky, endearingly complicated, and delightfully relatable. He’s a superb addition to the band of lovable outcasts — The Last Picks — and watching him find his way with his fellow castaways is a joy to experience.

Sometimes I struggle with cosy mysteries. I think there’s a stigma that they cannot have complex characters or deep storylines, but Gregory Ashe certainly doesn’t fall into this trap, as Mystery Magnet is a wellspring of heart and soul. Dash is carrying the heavy weight of a recent breakup and a career slump on his shoulders, and he is thrust — almost immediately — into a murder investigation by a town he is yet to find his place in. Mystery Magnet is proof that cosy mysteries can be compelling, engaging, and wonderfully thought-provoking.

The murder mystery itself is a sweeping and involving story. Gregory Ashe has this brilliant way of setting up the clues, the investigation, and the reveal so beautifully — so masterfully — that the reader is caught pleasantly between complete surprise and total satisfaction. A real murder mystery will make you work for it and that’s what Mystery Magnet does. Nothing comes easily to Dash, or to the reader, who are both equally (and frantically) trying to put everything together.

After reading Gregory’s last book, The Evening Wolves, which was a torrent of emotion and high-octane drama (in the absolute best way), it was very pleasurable to step in to this new world, and into the idyllic town of Hastings Rock. The world-building is so solid, so carefully considered, that the reader can’t help but be sucked in. I want to grab a coffee at Chipper and be scream-greeted by Millie. I want to go to The Otter Slide and grab one of those delicious burgers. I want to explore all the secret passageways of Hemlock House and help solve an impossible murder.

What I love most, though, about what you get from a Gregory Ashe book, is escapism. Acceptance. Security that you, the reader, are protected in this world. Gregory’s work creates a safe space for all — not just the LGBTQ+ community (though, that is a huge part of it), but for readers everywhere who want to lose themselves in a book with a gripping storyline, lovable characters, and an abundance of emotion.

To summarise: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I genuinely cannot wait for the next one!