North and Shaw have come such a long way!

Charlie David IS North and Shaw!! He does sound the most unqiue of the three narrators used for this interconnected series, so some of the other couples might sound different than you're used to (looking at you Emery), but there just isn't another choice for N&S. It was perfection as expected!

North and Shaw have a come a looooong way. They still have some tension, but they are so solid as a couple, and that was beautiful to see. Within probably 5 minutes of starting the book my husband had to ask me what I was laughing at. The way these two banter is just absolutely hilarious, but I also like that we got an explanation for why they are like this. Alongside the hilariousness there was a dark side and the action definitely kept me on my toes. One of my favorite parts of this crossover series is that each of the grumpier MCs is getting some 1 on 1 time with Emery Hazard and I honestly live for those scenes. The mystery continues to evolve and it's really wizardry how Ashe weaves it all together. I'm so sad that the next book is the last, but I also cannot wait to read Hazard and Somerset's portion!

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Well, what was that?

I was given this as an advanced audiobook listener. It is the third book in the Iron and Iron series which you need to read/listen to in the correct order as this is a complex mystery.

I have already read the book but as always with Gregory Ashe’s books you get even more out of them when they are narrated. Each of the books in the series has one of the significant couples coming to the fore and this time it is North and Shaw. So, we are back with Charlie David to capture their distinct dynamic.

The ending of book two is shocking and Chief of Police, John-Henry Somerset does not know who he can trust in his police force, so he hires North and Shaw to work for the Wahredua PD. This is a good thing as we know that they will do anything to get to the truth and protect their friends, but this does not come with a guarantee that they will always follow police procedures. Maybe at some level, Somerset knows this as their unorthodox approach to obtaining information does garner key information which is important as not all people with high-status positions warrant respect and they don’t have time for offering it when it is not due. However, it also leads to some scary moments for them. So, it is just as well despite being told not to do so both Jem and Tean and Auggie and Theo keep an eye on them.

I love that Shaw can confuse others into thinking he is in a psychedelic world of his own which gives some of the funniest moments in the book, but he is up there with Emory Hazard with being the most incisive of the group and getting the job done.

In some ways, this book is North’s journey to finding himself and learning to know his true value to others and that the barriers he puts up even those that are close to him are not always necessary. Hazard and Somerset’s son Cole can see what Noeth has to offer and it is sweet seeing the crush that he has on him.

As previous readers/listeners have noted Ashe knows when everything gets too intense and that you are running out of breath so in this book it is chapter twenty-two, and I will give no spoilers, but it sure makes your heart feel good. This is important as book three ratches up the horror of what man can do to another, somebody is cleaning up their mess, but you also see what good friends will do to keep those that matter safe.

So, I am off to read book four, once my pulse rate is back to a safe level.

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A fab continuation of an exciting series

Where to begin? Okay, North and Shaw are my favourite of all Gregory Ashe's characters, closely followed by (Hazard and Somerset) so I had higher expectations for this installment of the Iron on Iron series and I wasn't disappointed. Firstly, I love a good mystery, that keeps you guessing and this certainly does. The action is fast-paced so the momentum keeps you interested, but the main thing I loved about his book was the banter between the characters, North and Shaw books always make me chuckle because of the interactions between the two protagonists, it's always a good time, but in this book, it was lovely to see the interplay between all the main characters and to see their relationships evolve.

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Enjoyable Story

Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building. The narration is very good as well.

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Utterly enthralling!

It’s taken me a few days after finishing this book to write this review, because I really needed to stop and digest all of that. Because, wow. That was non-stop from start to finish, in the absolute best of ways.

Firstly, I just want to start off by saying that I love how each of the different books in this series have their own distinct tone. Like, it’s very obvious this is a North and Shaw book, and it’s done so effortlessly that you just sink back into the POVs of these characters. It’s not jarring at all, and you have to marvel at Gregory Ashe’s writing style.

I cannot express how lovely it was to be back with these guys. I feel like each couple in the Hazardverse have their own distinct vibe. Tean and Jem are very much emotionally charged books. Theo and Auggie mysteries are a slow, intense burn. North and Shaw are a fast-paced, raucous, snowball of a pair, and every one of their stories sucks you right in. Much like this one.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers — because, my god, does this book have some real shockers — so instead, let’s talk about the characters. These boys. My boys. Especially North, who goes on a real journey through this. I mean, he is put through the wringer. It’s been really satisfying (and incredibly emotional) to watch him grow, and learn that he doesn’t always have to wear a mask around his friends. Seeing him bond with the other guys, seeing him open up and actually accept the affection that he deserves was so rewarding and heartwarming. I’m really, genuinely happy for him.

Chapter twenty-two absolutely owns my heart. I think it always will. Gregory Ashe has this wonderful way of knowing when the readers need to take a breath from the drama and the intensity, and then he gives us a chapter like this. Much like chapter eighteen in TGITW, here we get to see the guys at their best. It was a delight to read, and to get to see the boys bond like that. I love seeing the unlikely friendships blossoming within the group. It was so obviously written from a place of absolute love for these characters, and it is really special for the reader to experience.

I am beyond excited for the final book in the Iron on Iron series. I cannot wait to see how this is all wrapped up. It’s been such a rollercoaster so far, and I know that Hazard and Somers are going to be the perfect end to what has been one of my favourite series to read.

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Sublime

Continuing this series, we get to know more about our favorite characters, but especially about North and Shaw. And what a delight that is, the banter so delicious as usual and to see the couple in a stable relationship, it's great. The mystery develops further surprising us at every turn. I love the way this author intertwines mystery and the characters' relationships so effortlessly.

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Incredible story, disappointed with the narration

Gregory Ashe is incredible as always. The story picks up right at the end of book 2 and now it’s Shaw and North leading. Even though I love them they are my least favorite couple, too chaotic and OTT, very hard to follow their steps on the case because everything feels improvised. And their banter…not my cup of tea. Like in the other books of this series we are gifted with the most precious and heartwarming scenes with all 8 characters, it’s really a treat for the fans ❤️ Can’t wait for book 4 🤗
Now about the narration, I’m so disappointed with the narrator’s choice for Hazard! Why!!!!! It almost ruined the audio for me and I actually had to stop and eyeball read Emery’s parts it was so bad. Our most beloved booming favorite grump with a sweet sweet voice…unbelievable….

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1 person found this helpful

Good story, not my favourite narrator

I understand that the narrators for this series will match the characters taking the main storyline in each book. Therefore, first two were Jem and Tean and so we were spoiled with the delicious narration of JF Harding - who manages to give each character their own voice. He's a hard act to follow.
This third book was North and Shaw's book and so as Charlie David did their series he's narrating this book. I must admit, North and Shaw are best experienced in small doses for me. Their banter is annoying and not the campy amusing back and forth I think the author believes it is.
Charlie David's narration is listenable, but bland, and apart from North and Shaw - whose annoying characters he's nailed, he didn't give any of the other characters a distinctive voice. This was especially noticable for Emery's voice as he's a big old grump with an attitude and a heart of gold. The fact the narrator didn't even lower his range for Hazard's dialogue pulled me out of the story.
The story itself was chaotic, and made me wonder again how the hell North and Shaw are even in the private detective business when they don't seem to be able to communicate, organize or think logically. I do love the scenes where all of the men socialize together. I'm looking forward to when Tristan James resumes narration for Hazard and Somerset's book.

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