Genre/Tags: Queer Cozy Mystery 

Author: Gregory Ashe

Story Rating: 4 Stars

Narrator: Andrew Gibson

Narrator Rating: 5 Stars

Length: 5 hours & 53 minutes

Audiobook Buy Links: Audible

He was born to write mysteries. Now, he has to solve them.

When Dashiell Dawson Dane moves across the country to a small seaside town called Hastings Rock, he has one goal: get away from his ex. Okay, two goals – because he wouldn’t mind a little help from his new boss, celebrity mystery author Vivienne Carver. With Vivienne’s mentorship, Dash is sure he can get over this blasted case of writer’s block and start telling his own stories again.

The only problem? Vivienne is murdered on Dash’s first night at Hemlock House. And when police find a secret passage that connects Dash’s bedroom to Vivienne’s, they’re sure they know who did it. Now Dash has to prove his innocence – and the only way to do that is to figure out who really killed Vivienne Carver.

Review: 

I read this as an e-book previously and was rather aggrieved about the missing epilogue. I’m back because we do have the epilogue and I need a series of several books to listen to of a night time while I’m doing other things. Something I can listen to at leisure and if I feel like reviewing I can, if not, who cares? I also chose The Last Pick series because I like Blake Lockheart, narrating here as Andrew Gibson. 

Just call me Dash, otherwise known as Dashiell Dawson Dane, whom nearly everyone else calls by his full first name, if not by the entirety of his name, is in Hastings Rock, coastal Oregon, to learn from the great Vivienne Carver. Successful author of both true and fictional crime.

“Tell me, Dashiell—”
“Just Dash.” I rushed to add, “Unless you prefer Dashiell, that is.”
She was silent for a beat. “Tell me about your writing, Dashiell.”

Dash’s parents are also successful writers of dark and serious crime fiction. Poor Dash has writer’s block and his parents aren’t exactly brimming with support. Getting writing inspiration from Vivienne Carver sounds right to Dash at this point in time. He’s met her before because his parents and Vivienne run in the same writer’s circles. Between the lack of writing and his ex, he sees this as a fresh start in a new town. To be fair, Dash is a lost soul when he arrives at Hastings Rock. I imagine a more significant relationship would really be problematic at this juncture. His parents love his ex, Hugo. Everyone does, apparently. Dash’s parents will continue to invite his ex to their events in spite of the separation from their son. Dash feels it’s par for the course, he thinks most people see just about everyone as more likeable or capable than he is, so why not his parents? He looks through an anxious lens at himself and when he’s nervous, he gibbers. 

This cozy mystery has heart. While a number of readers complained about Millie’s OTT voice and exuberance I like her ‘manic pixie energy,’ her caring, and her ability to unite people in friendship. Sometimes the energy, as well intentioned as it is, hits at the wrong time – hello, Pippi Parker book event. It also kind of helps listening to the audiobook version. No caps, but yes, Millie’s voice is raised. Dash doesn’t know anyone in town, Millie does gravitate quickly to him, ‘he’s so cuuute,‘ and one of the deputies likes to write him up for parking infractions with monotonous regularity.

The core group that develops in this book all have their individual quirks. I’ve already mentioned Millie. Then there’s Fox, Vivienne’s interior designer. They’re in a dramatic existential crisis about their abilities. I get the distinct impression that’s just kind of the norm for Fox. Keme is a seventeen year old who just.. is. I don’t know if maybe I missed his backstory, or if it’s the intrigue of him. He appears to be mute, but who knows? Indira, Vivienne’s culinary expert, the woman with the witch-streak of white hair, seems to be able to hear Keme. Personally, I just don’t think Keme has time for verbiage when non-verbal cues and general body language – the latter said like Ursula the Sea Witch – serve him well. He can flay people with a look or a roll of his eyes, and his Fortnite game is peerless. Sometimes less is more, says the person who writes long reviews.  

Anyhoo. Very quickly into Dash’s new job, Vivienne becomes a bummer – floating in the sea not far from her gothic manor. Seems it’s a preferred way to drop off this mortal coil for a couple of prior owners of Hemlock House. Of course Dash is the likely suspect. New in town and some suspicious events seem to surround him. While he’s wigged out about being a suspect, a silver lining shines just a smidge in his interactions with Deputy Bobby. He’s sharp. Enigmatic. Tight, generally well put together, not that Dash is looking… mm, only a little bit. He’s kind to Dash on a couple of occasions, not something he’s especially used to, so it’s a noticeable trait.

I took off my glasses and rubbed my eyes. That need to cry washed over me again, and my face prickled. Finally I managed a thick, “Thanks.”
“Things are going to work out,” Deputy Bobby said as we pulled into the drive at Hemlock House. The sheriff will keep investigating. I know it looks bad now, but you’ll feel better in the morning.”

But Deputy Bobby has a boyfriend, West. Hmm, I suspect that Dash and Deputy Bobby may get together in book 72 of the series. However, I’m happy to have a slow burn. I’m happy for the lack of sex. I liked being able to enjoy the mystery and the group’s investigation. I liked the different personalities. I’m looking forward to this little cadre of mystery chasers developing further connection. May they find enough mysteries to fuel their overactive imaginations.       

The Narrator: I really like Blake Lockheart as a narrator. I’ve sought out audiobooks because he’s narrating. I know he’s under the name Andrew Gibson here but it’s the same person. One thing I’ve noticed is that Gibson/Lockheart has a breathy quality to his voice which is perfect for romance. It was an interesting choice for a cozy mystery and it works. It especially works when Dash and Deputy Bobby have some quieter talks, and Dash has some vulnerable moments. 

Overall, this isn’t a long book. It’s well paced. The characters stand out just enough but have the potential to develop even more. There’s some sharp humour. It also has some general diverse rep. There’s the hint of a romance. The mystery is solid, there are a couple of things happening, several people who appear to have an axe to grind with Vivienne. So yeah, overall it’s a cozy… cozy package. 4 Stars!