The Last Picks Series by Gregory Ashe

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 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... moreHe 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 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. less

You can’t hide from the truth. And apparently, you can’t hide from your ex either. Dashiell Dawson Dane wants the simple things in to live in a (possibly) haunted mansion, to avoid socializing at all costs, and to write, and possibly finish, a book. Unfortunately, the real world has a way of intruding. And since unfinished manuscripts don’t pay the bills, he finds himself persuaded—against his better judgment—to rent out Hemlock House for a wedding... moreYou can’t hide from the truth. And apparently, you can’t hide from your ex either. Dashiell Dawson Dane wants the simple things in to live in a (possibly) haunted mansion, to avoid socializing at all costs, and to write, and possibly finish, a book. Unfortunately, the real world has a way of intruding. And since unfinished manuscripts don’t pay the bills, he finds himself persuaded—against his better judgment—to rent out Hemlock House for a wedding. Having his ex-boyfriend, Hugo, arrive unexpectedly during the preparations is bad enough. But when Hugo is arrested for the murder of the groom-to-be, Dash seems to be the only one who believes he didn’t do it. And Dash’s efforts to uncover the truth will draw the attention of the real killer—who has a great deal to gain, and nothing to lose. less

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... moreThey 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. less

All’s fair in love and…publishing? It’s nearly Christmas, and Dashiell Dawson Dane already has enough on his plate finding a present for his parents, coming up with excuses not to hang the Christmas lights, and finishing this stupid story he’s been writing (okay, maybe he needs to start writing it). On top of all that, Bobby has been acting…well, strange... moreAll’s fair in love and…publishing? It’s nearly Christmas, and Dashiell Dawson Dane already has enough on his plate finding a present for his parents, coming up with excuses not to hang the Christmas lights, and finishing this stupid story he’s been writing (okay, maybe he needs to start writing it). On top of all that, Bobby has been acting…well, strange. The last thing Dash needs, in other words, is to play host when Marshall Crowe—celebrity author and, worse, a friend of Dash’s parents—comes to town. When Marshall dies in the middle of a public reading of his latest novel, Dash can’t bring himself to believe it was an accident, but he’s determined to stay away from the investigation. Until, that is, the prime suspect shows up on his doorstep, begging for his help. The catch? It’s the same woman who accused Dash, not so long ago, of murdering Vivienne Carver—Hastings Rock’s resident cozy mystery author, Pippi Parker. And helping Pippi might just be the death of Dash. less

Hunting a killer is scary. Talking about your feelings is scarier. Dashiell Dawson Dane is certain the universe is conspiring against him. After all, things have been good—almost too good—for way too long. He’s got a great group of friends. He’s writing regularly. And things with Bobby seem like they might, maybe, possibly be moving beyond friend territory. It’s all so good, in fact, that it feels like the setup for something truly catastrophic... moreHunting a killer is scary. Talking about your feelings is scarier. Dashiell Dawson Dane is certain the universe is conspiring against him. After all, things have been good—almost too good—for way too long. He’s got a great group of friends. He’s writing regularly. And things with Bobby seem like they might, maybe, possibly be moving beyond friend territory. It’s all so good, in fact, that it feels like the setup for something truly catastrophic. Not to mention, it’s the weekend before Valentine’s Day. So, when Dash and his friends visit Shipwreck Shores, a local amusement park, he’s not terribly surprised when he stumbles across a body in the fun house. The surprising part comes when the body disappears before park security—or the sheriff—can see it. And while no one will say it to his face, some people in Hastings Rock seem to suspect Dash is making it up. No body means no official investigation, so Dash finds himself forced into his own search for answers. But the killer isn’t done yet. And Dash’s sleuthing sets the two of them on a collision course. less

We might not be doomed to repeat the past. But it’s pretty likely. When Dashiell Dawson Dane receives a phone call from his nemesis Vivienne Carver (okay, one of his nemeses), he’s caught off guard—to say the least—by her help solve the murder of her brother, who disappeared almost thirty years ago. His gut tells him to say no. But with Bobby preparing to move out of Hemlock House, Dash sees the perfect opportunity for them to spend more time together, whether Bobby likes it or not... moreWe might not be doomed to repeat the past. But it’s pretty likely. When Dashiell Dawson Dane receives a phone call from his nemesis Vivienne Carver (okay, one of his nemeses), he’s caught off guard—to say the least—by her help solve the murder of her brother, who disappeared almost thirty years ago. His gut tells him to say no. But with Bobby preparing to move out of Hemlock House, Dash sees the perfect opportunity for them to spend more time together, whether Bobby likes it or not. The local police seem convinced that Vivienne was responsible for her brother’s death—an opinion shared by some of her family. But the more Dash investigates, the more convinced he becomes that Vivienne is being set up. Secrets have been accumulating for decades, and the most dangerous lies, Dash knows, are the ones we want to believe the most. After all these years, answers might finally be within reach—and someone is willing to kill to keep the truth from coming out. less

A stolen book. A desperate killer. And two very meddlesome parents. Dashiell Dawson Dane might have a problem. It’s not a huge problem. In fact, all things considered, life is good—he’s got a wonderful boyfriend, fantastic friends, and a home where he’s genuinely happy, maybe for the first time ever. He’s even writing regularly. (Okay, mostly regularly. ). There is, however, the teensiest issue with money—in that, he doesn’t have any. And it turns out Dash isn’t the only one strapped for cash... moreA stolen book. A desperate killer. And two very meddlesome parents. Dashiell Dawson Dane might have a problem. It’s not a huge problem. In fact, all things considered, life is good—he’s got a wonderful boyfriend, fantastic friends, and a home where he’s genuinely happy, maybe for the first time ever. He’s even writing regularly. (Okay, mostly regularly. ). There is, however, the teensiest issue with money—in that, he doesn’t have any. And it turns out Dash isn’t the only one strapped for cash. The Hastings Rock Public Library has recently been defunded by the mayor and the city council, and the town is in an uproar. To keep the library open, Dash hosts a charity auction at Hemlock House. But disaster strikes when an exceptionally valuable book is stolen before the fundraiser can begin. And when Dash finds the mayor dead—and Hastings Rock’s head librarian refuses to provide an alibi—he quickly becomes tangled in yet another murder investigation. How could things get any worse? Oh. Right. A surprise visit from his parents. less

They say love makes fools of us all. It certainly makes idiots out of some of us. It’s Dash’s second Halloween in Hastings Rock, and this year, he’s determined to have a normal spooky season—he’s going to hang out with his friends, hand out lots of candy, and seize every available opportunity for snuggles with a certain deputy. Fate, though, has other things in store. When Dash’s friend Keme is arrested for murder, Dash assumes it’s a misunderstanding—after all, this is Keme we’re talking about... moreThey say love makes fools of us all. It certainly makes idiots out of some of us. It’s Dash’s second Halloween in Hastings Rock, and this year, he’s determined to have a normal spooky season—he’s going to hang out with his friends, hand out lots of candy, and seize every available opportunity for snuggles with a certain deputy. Fate, though, has other things in store. When Dash’s friend Keme is arrested for murder, Dash assumes it’s a misunderstanding—after all, this is Keme we’re talking about. But it turns out, not everyone in Hastings Rock trusts Keme. Or likes him. In fact, plenty of people are downright afraid of him, and for them, the arrest confirms what they’ve always that Keme is a seriously bad apple. And when Keme’s clothes turn up not far from the scene of the crime, covered in the victim’s blood, it’s the final piece of proof for the court of public opinion. It'll be up to Dash to prove Keme’s innocence. But the real killer might have something to say about that. less

The only thing worse than murder is…no murder? It’s Christmastime, and Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash) is looking forward to a quiet holiday season—no unexpected visitors, no relationship drama, and absolutely no murders. But when his friend Millie asks for help, Dash says yes. Because that’s what friends do. Millie’s brother, he learns, has been accused of stealing packages from his job as a delivery driver. Worse, he’s been fired... moreThe only thing worse than murder is…no murder? It’s Christmastime, and Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash) is looking forward to a quiet holiday season—no unexpected visitors, no relationship drama, and absolutely no murders. But when his friend Millie asks for help, Dash says yes. Because that’s what friends do. Millie’s brother, he learns, has been accused of stealing packages from his job as a delivery driver. Worse, he’s been fired. So, Millie’s request is clear her brother’s name—and, in the process, save Christmas. No small task, it turns out, as Dash faces a suspiciously hostile warehouse manager, stumbles onto a family of porch pirates, and somehow gets roped into the Nought Family Nativity Pageant. And when Millie’s brother disappears, Dash fears the worst. In Dash’s (growing) experience, that can only mean one thing…. Because it’s always murder. Isn’t it? less

Grief is the price of love. When an upscale restaurant opens in Hastings Rock, Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash) and his friends are excited to get reservations for the soft open. After all, winter on the Oregon Coast is the quiet season, and Dash is looking forward to a little excitement. (And, of course, dessert. ). Instead, their arrival at the restaurant brings them face to face with Indira’s ex-husband, Mal. And when Mal ends up dead, Indira is the chief suspect... moreGrief is the price of love. When an upscale restaurant opens in Hastings Rock, Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash) and his friends are excited to get reservations for the soft open. After all, winter on the Oregon Coast is the quiet season, and Dash is looking forward to a little excitement. (And, of course, dessert. ). Instead, their arrival at the restaurant brings them face to face with Indira’s ex-husband, Mal. And when Mal ends up dead, Indira is the chief suspect. Dash is sure he can prove Indira’s innocence, but before he has the chance, tragedy strikes Bobby’s family. With Bobby drawn back to Portland, Dash finds himself torn between helping his boyfriend and saving Indira. And the killer isn’t done yet. less

They say the show must go on. Thank goodness for intermission. Dashiell Dawson Dane isn’t thrilled that a new play at the community theater is based (however loosely) on his life. But when Dash’s friend Fox asks him to attend opening night, things take a strange turn: the actor playing Dash’s role seems to have been given a different script. Even stranger, the new lines trigger a bizarre response from the rest of the cast and crew—right before the lights go out and the box office is robbed... moreThey say the show must go on. Thank goodness for intermission. Dashiell Dawson Dane isn’t thrilled that a new play at the community theater is based (however loosely) on his life. But when Dash’s friend Fox asks him to attend opening night, things take a strange turn: the actor playing Dash’s role seems to have been given a different script. Even stranger, the new lines trigger a bizarre response from the rest of the cast and crew—right before the lights go out and the box office is robbed. At Fox’s request, Dash agrees to investigate, but he’s surprised to discover that everyone at the theater seems more preoccupied with the altered (and now missing) script than with the robbery. And when one of the actors is murdered in what appears to be a burglary gone wrong, Dash is sure there’s something much darker afoot. But someone is determined to keep the truth from coming out, and Dash will have to navigate aging starlets, a disgruntled custodian, and a reclusive stage manager—among others—to catch the killer before they can strike again. less

What would you do to get everything you wanted? Life is good for Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash). Things with his boyfriend, Bobby, are better than ever. Teaching at a local college has provided routine and stability. And to his complete surprise, his self-published novel is doing well. Really well. So, when a mystery writers’ conference comes to Hastings Rock, Dash is thrilled to attend... moreWhat would you do to get everything you wanted? Life is good for Dashiell Dawson Dane (just Dash). Things with his boyfriend, Bobby, are better than ever. Teaching at a local college has provided routine and stability. And to his complete surprise, his self-published novel is doing well. Really well. So, when a mystery writers’ conference comes to Hastings Rock, Dash is thrilled to attend. He’s less thrilled when Vivienne Carver, his former nemesis—the woman who framed him for murder and then tried to kill him—appears at the conference, released from prison and determined to reclaim both fame and fortune. And, as usual, Vivienne has a plan. But when Vivienne is murdered the first night of the conference, and Dash is—once again—the prime suspect, he’ll have to find the real killer to prove his innocence. Even worse, Dash might be right back where he started. less

All the other stuff. Expanded Universe is a collection of short stories from The Last Picks. It includes the following:. “Engineered Public Confession”. A glimpse into Dash’s life before his move to Hastings Rock. “Mystery of the Week”. Someone steals Dash’s ice cream cone, and things…escalate. “New Neighbors”. Dash adjusts to his new life in Hastings Rock—and to his budding friendship with Deputy Bobby. “Friends on the Force”... moreAll the other stuff. Expanded Universe is a collection of short stories from The Last Picks. It includes the following:. “Engineered Public Confession”. A glimpse into Dash’s life before his move to Hastings Rock. “Mystery of the Week”. Someone steals Dash’s ice cream cone, and things…escalate. “New Neighbors”. Dash adjusts to his new life in Hastings Rock—and to his budding friendship with Deputy Bobby. “Friends on the Force”. Taking advantage of a local perk, Dash does a ride-along with his favorite deputy. “Thanksgiving Episode”. On Dash’s first Thanksgiving with his new friends, things don’t go quite as planned. “It Runs in the Family”. Dash’s sister arrives for an unexpected—and unwelcome—visit. “Sheep in Sheep’s Clothing”. Bobby is most definitely not perfect. But why is it so hard to prove it? “Chekhov’s Wig”. A box of stolen wigs. Jewel thieves on the run. What could go wrong? “Birthday Beginning”. The Last Picks are determined to make Keme’s birthday a memorable one. “The Odd Couple”. Dash and Keme might not be the original odd couple, but they’re odd enough. “Home for the Holidays”. It’s Dash and Bobby’s first Christmas together. They manage to make it interesting. “Good Cop, Bad Cop”. When Dash discovers someone is stealing Keme’s lunch, he’s determined to help. He’s just a little too late. “Insufferable Geniuses”. Dash and Fox share the highs and lows of the artistic temperament. “Found Family”. The Last Picks celebrate Keme’s graduation. “Skip to the End”. Dash and Bobby celebrate their big day. Please note that the first fourteen stories were distributed previously in various formats. “Skip to the End” is exclusively available in this collection. less