Dude Magnet
The Last Picks, Book 2
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Dude Magnet
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Narrated by:
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Andrew Gibson
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By:
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Gregory Ashe
About this listen
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 life: 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.
©2024 Gregory Ashe (P)2024 Gregory AsheListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Dude Magnet
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 13-09-24
All the Stars!!!! Narration was perfect!
A complimentary audio was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow, this was so fun!! The beginning was kind of confusing because we're just thrust right into a scene and have no idea what is going on, but at the same time it was funny (though silly).
This story is just full of wild and crazy characters doing wild and crazy antics, somehow able to survive, and not wind up in jail. Always a plus. 😊
Dash has opened Hemlock House to be a venue for weddings (and I assume other events as needed) to earn income. Since I have no idea how else he would have money, this sounds like a wise move, though I hope he doesn't plan to keep murder on the options list, lol.
To add to the chaos, Hugo, Dash's ex whom he, well, basically ran away from because he wasn't in love with him, has arrived to win him back. Awwwkwarrrrrd.
Hugo did kind of annoy me because he didn't seem to grasp that Dash didn't love him and no matter how many counselors they visit or how much they talk, it's not going to change how Dash feels. By the end, yes, Hugo does finally understand, and it seems like they will be able to be just friends. Aside from Hugo not accepting Dash turning him down, I liked Hugo - he was kind of fun and became a member of the gang easily. Which I guess does not bode well for Hugo, haha.
The murder is kind of confusing, or I guess who was murdered and why. That's not really a fault with the story - I kind of was distracted at times while listening so I fully admit I missed a few things but never fear! This story is so beyond worth listening to again. I know this is going to become my new series obsession. This reminds me so much of Josh Lanyon and her crazy antics books about Holmes & Moriarity, one of my forever obsession series. I just know The Last Picks will become part of my annual re-read collection - those stories and character one has to revisit over and over. Umm, not in a crazy obsessed way - normal obsessed.
Anyway, back to the murders. Dash has the unfortunate habit of finding dead people, newly dead, as in basically a witness without being a witness. Poor Dash. In this case Hugo is arrested (yes? I'm pretty sure he was arrested and not just taken in for questioning) because he was passed out in the alley where said body was and there is circumstantial evidence pointing to Hugo. The "who" who was murdered isn't in the blurb so not going to spoil it but do pay attention to the beginning of the book. Dash and gang sleuth to try and free Hugo, more murders ensue, and Dash gets threatened by the new Police Chief if he doesn't stop meddling in her murder investigation.
All said, I had a ball! You have to read/listen to this with an open mind and accept the crazy antics for what they are - which is not meant to be taken seriously but with a lot of humor and good nature. I can't wait for book 3! The ending for Dude Magnet was kind of sucky so be warned there are no smiling faces. Not sucky because it was written poorly, just sucky because Dash and a certain Deputy - sigh - take a huge step back in their developing "relationship." I know, they're just friends, but no! They have chemistry dam#it! Book 3 better rectify this situation; I'm looking at you Mr. Ashe. 🧐
I 100% recommend this and give it 5 stars. The narration, whoa! That was awesome! Andrew Gibson nailed it! I loved how he portrayed all the characters, he really put his all into it and embraced the crazy. 😊 I hope he continues to narrate the rest of the series. 5 stars for the narration. I seriously need to check out what other books he's narrator.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Caz
- 16-02-25
Engaging cosy mystery with superb narration
Dash is having second thoughts about his decision to rent out Hemlock House for a large wedding to make some cash when his ex-boyfriend Hugo turns up unexpectedly and appears intent on getting him back. That Dash isn’t interested turns out to be the least of Hugo’s problems when the groom-to-be is killed and Hugo is the prime suspect. Dash is horrified to learn this – Hugo has his faults and Dash might not want to be with him any more, but there’s no way Hugo is a murderer. The Last Picks are going to prove it.
Like book 1 (Mystery Magnet), DUDE MAGNET is a fast-paced, light-hearted and often very funny story, and now the characters have been introduced, the author is starting to flesh them out and deepen their personalities and relationships. While the mystery is the raison d’être behind the series, the characters are the real highlight of each story and I enjoy their banter and the way the Hemlock House crew are not blind to Dash’s faults but have taken him to their hearts anyway. I already love Dash’s unique narrative voice; he’s endearing and charming in a bumbling sort of way, he’s deeply kind, he’s bright and he’s wonderfully waspish, and I liked the greater emotional depth introduced as we start to learn more of his backstory.
While The Last Picks is a cosy mystery series and Gregory Ashe is certainly adhering to the ‘rules’ of the genre, his very particular brand of relationship angst kicks up a gear as Dash and Deputy Bobby continue to circle around and misread each other. The heartfelt conversations. The pining. The UST… and that ending. Ouch. Long-time Ashochists will know the author is going to make us wait a while for Dash and Bobby to work things out – but we also know it’ll be worth the wait.
Andrew Gibson delivers another terrific performance - he absolutely IS Dash and brings out every facet of his personality superbly, and he finds a wide variety of character voices for the secondary cast and the other Picks (his Millie is perfection!) Cosy mysteries aren't really my thing, but when the writing and performance are as good as they are here, then I'm happy to recommend!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- wusswoo
- 31-08-24
A lovely cosy movie.
I've been enjoying these cosy mysteries a lot. I normally prefer gritty thrillers, but having listened to a lot of them recently this was a lovely palate cleanser. I love the diverse cast of characters, they are all slightly eccentric and I've fallen in love with them all and I just adore Dash and Bobby they give me heart eyes. I enjoyed the performance, I love audiobooks and go through loads a year (I have the highest level of membership and still have to buy more) because the performers add something to the experience for me. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next one.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bookoutbelow
- 03-09-24
THAT ENDING?!
THAT ENDING!!! WHY?!?
I still love Dash more than a lot of things. His anxiety speaks to my anxiety on a soul deep level. I think this Greg at his most witty, and it is just perfection. Every conversation and internal thought it just so perfectly picked to make you laugh, or think, or feel just a myriad of emotions. I loved getting to meet Hugo and getting to see a little more of who Dash is and why...we're slowly getting the full story of exactly what has made him into the wonderful character he is. I did not guess the mystery, which was once again fun (there is a very small pool of suspects so it's not too surprising), but honestly, I don't think I would've cared either way. Everything else about this story is just *chef's kiss* that a good mystery is just icing on top. One more thing though, I will reiterate, THAT ENDING!! WHY?!? Just going to put my trust in Greg to take me on the best possible journey and have everything end great for Dash.
Andrew Gibson continues to be a fabulous choice. Like a true cozy, each book brings a whole host of new characters and I find each one to be easy to differentiate and enjoyable.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Erryn Barratt
- 17-09-24
Dash, Hugo, and Deputy Bobby
Life is never boring for poor Dash. He’s inherited – or been dumped with – a haunted mansion on the Oregon coast. Far from his life back on the east coast. Only trouble seems to find him everywhere. To make ends meet as he struggles to complete his novel (okay, to even really start it), he agrees to host weddings in the mansion. He’s dealing with a wedding party at the time that his past catches up with him.
Dash’s ex, Hugo, is quite set on winning his former lover back. Dash is quite set on not being won back. He’s quickly reminded why they were never a good idea in the first place. Then a murder takes place. Hugo’s a suspect. Dash knows he didn’t do it. But who did? Thus another who dunnit begins and Dash is in the middle of an investigation. Add it Deputy Bobby who always seems to be around, and Dash has his hands full.
Guessing who actually did the killing was fun. The drunken episode was funny…the aftermath not so much. The ending left me wanting more. Waiting for the next book which I know is on the way.
Andrew Gibson is a great narrator for this series and I can’t wait for more collaborations between Andrew and Gregory.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paula Pinho
- 20-09-24
Murder, suspense and banter
This second book follows Dash, who is reluctantly drawn into a murder investigation when his ex-boyfriend, Hugo, is accused of killing the groom-to-be at a wedding hosted at Dash's home.
The way GA combines humor and suspense, creating a cozy mystery that keeps you guessing, it's amazing. Dash is endearing and relatable, with his awkwardness and vulnerability making him a protagonist you root for. His interactions with the quirky residents of Hemlock House add warmth and charm to the narrative.
The emotional core of the story is Dash's struggle with his past relationship with Hugo. The author explores themes like manipulation and self-worth, portraying Dash's journey to reclaim his sense of safety and autonomy.
If you're looking for a mystery that balances humor, heart, and suspense, don't look any further.
The narrator did a great job.
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