Script Swap

The Last Picks, Book 11

By: Gregory Ashe

Narrated by: Andrew Gibson

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.

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.

©2025 Gregory Ashe (P)2026 Gregory Ashe

Fox's story...the show must go on!

Book 11. WOW, I can't believe there is only one more book for this incredible cozy mystery series Gregory Ashe kick-started. So much fun getting to know the MCs: Dashiell Dawson Dane and Officer(now Detective) Bobby Mai. Every book involves "just Dash" being confronted with a murder(or dodging one) and a further inspection of one of the side characters fondly referred to as the Last Picks. This story was Fox's! Finally! A glimpse into the artistic brain-and best dresser (snort)-of the group. Fox's father owns the community theater, therefore when murder happens there Fox pleads for Dash's help. Glimpses into the workings of Fox's mind was a relaxation and helped in thinking about his interactions in the previous 10 books. Andrew Gibson has been an incredible narrator for this series so please-do yourself a favor and go start at book 1. You will NOT be disappointed! PS-not free, part of a kick-starter reward.

All The Feels!!

This is the eleventh book in GA’s cozy mysteries series, The Last Picks. These books must be read in order; this is not a standalone. I loved this book because it gave me all the feels! In this latest installment, Fox’s father is having troubles at his “theatre”. At first it is a simple theft. But because this is Hastings Rock, murder capital of Oregon, it devolves into a murder. Dash is asked to assist of course and he stumbles across a 40 year old unsolved murder. That is fun, but I really loved the soul searching and epiphanies both Dash and Bobby have about themselves and their relationship. AT LAST!!!! I may have cried a little. This was facilitated by the “come to Jesus” moment Fox had for Dash. Sometimes it takes a friend to tell you the awful truth about yourself. This is a must read for fans of the series. The narrator gives his normal amazing performance!!

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

Murder in the Theatre

Dash goes to opening night at the theatre for a play that’s based on his life, a script seems to be swapped. Fox asked Dash to investigate. The next day the male lead ends up dead. All the while Dash is acting strange, going for runs, joining a gym. Dash and Bobby have a heart to heart and they both explain what’s been going on with them, Dash decides to be his old self.
Dash does figure out who committed the murders.

I really enjoyed this book, even though the whole gang wasn’t doing the investigating.

The narrator once again did a wonderful job.

Fox's turn

Each book progresses a little more forward but with a different focal point. This was the background story to Fox. Loved learning more about them. Dash is just as chaotic as usual, but the progression and his relationship with Bobby is perfect. And then there is the mystery that happens within and trying to figure out who and why. Just another perfect example of Gregory Ashe's writing and a good job from Andrew Gibson bringing the story to our ears.

Right in the feels with this one!

I can’t ever imagine this author writing a bad book. In fact, I feel like each one gets better and better. This book finally did it: made me cry. The struggles Dash has with his writing, his self-esteem and his place with Bobby are so . . . I don’t know, real. I loved the heartfelt exchange with Fox (those outfit descriptions have me rolling!). I feel like I’ve even gotten a tutorial within this book on how to write a book!

The narration, as always, top notch!