Doom Magnet

The Last Picks, Book 3

By: Gregory Ashe

Narrated by: Andrew Gibson

They say bad things come in threes. Usually, they don’t mean murder.

After several months (and a few murders), Dash is finally starting to feel at home in Hastings Rock. He’s enjoying the quiet after the end of tourist season, he’s comfortable at Hemlock House (the jury is still out on whether it’s haunted), and most importantly, he has friends.

Friends, unfortunately, who have a tendency not to take no for an answer. Which is how Dash finds himself at a cold-water surfing competition only a few days before Halloween—and, even worse, attending a costume party at the surf camp later that evening.

When Dash stumbles across the body of a predatory local real estate developer, he’s the only one who believes it’s murder. Worse, Dash’s friend Deputy Bobby (they’re just friends, thank you very much) is on leave from the sheriff’s office while he and his fiancé prepare for their move to Portland. But Dash is determined not to let a murder go unsolved. And as Dash works to prove that the death was anything but accidental, the killer turns their attention to him.

©2024 Gregory Ashe (P)2024 Gregory Ashe

Splendid Voice Acting

Of the many audiobooks I have listened to, Andrew Gibson is clearly one of the most skilled voice actors. Not only does he skillfully separate the voices of different characters, but he is careful to modulate and inflect their sentences to fit the broader context in which they are spoken. When they are surprised, people sound surprised; when they are scornful, people sound scornful. It is clear that Gibson has studied the text carefully before presenting it. The book itself is fun, but I would fault it for dragging a bit here and there because its first-person protagonist, ever insecure and self-doubting, spends way too many pages (well, audio-minutes) examining his every inner misgiving, being quick to anger, and then examining more inner misgivings. A little of that goes a long way. A lot of it gets needlessly trope-y.

Finally Dash & Bobbie

This is the third book in GA’s cozy mysteries series call The Last Picks. Although there is a good mystery, this installment is mainly about the relationship between Dash and Deputy Bobby. GA really earns his King of the Slow Burn when he left us off on a cliff hanger in the second book. This book addresses some of the UST, but leaves us wanted more. These guys do NOT make things easy on themselves and I can foresee A LOT of complications.

There is miscommunications, inaccurate assumptions and of course stubborn men. Deputy Bobby’s relationship with has fiancés takes a necessary but unexpected turn. But somehow, I feel we haven’t heard the last of this relationship. My favorite part was the heartfelt dialogue between Dash and Bobby; it’s a start. In the end, we are left with more questions than answers, which is why I look forward to the next installment.

We also get a little peek inside Kimi’s back story; I look forward to hearing more about that. The mystery revolves around a murdered scum bag developer. Lots of red herrings with a satisfying conclusion. Mr. Gibson gives us another A+ performance and really brings these characters alive.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review

Another Murder Mystery

3rd times the charm? Well 3rd murder that is lol
Dash stumbles across another dead body, the police think it’s an accident but Dash saw someone on the cliff just above where he found the body. So Dash and the last Picks investigate with a touch of Officer Bobby joining. Dash and Bobby have a disagreement about his relationship, stop being a cop and moving away.
All works out in the end.

I really loved listening to this book, The narrator did an awesome job.

Surf's Up

Dash is still trying to things figured out. Officer Bobby is complicated. And now there is a murder to figure out. Dash has a lot to sort through. Maybe he might even get something written. #CMCon25

Each book keeps getting better!

These mysteries are so fun to listen to. The author and narrator are such a great combination. My only feedback is that I wish they were longer, because I don't want them to end. Fun and clever, I can't wait for the next one.