Can we ever be the child that our parents want?

I received this audiobook as an advanced listener. I have already read the book and you can see my review at the end of this piece. If I could, I would this audiobook at least 6* and I gave the book 5* So why listen to the audiobook? Tristan James is the natural interpreter of Gregory Ashe’s writing. Listening to the book gives and added depth to the story as James capture these the intense couple who are Hazard and Somerset as well as the voices of the people they investigate and the town of Wahredua Although, I knew what was to come actually listening to James voice both Hazard and Somerset’s complex relationships with their father really slayed me. Even if you have read the book, listen, a good book never dies. E book review ‘I already told you how much I love this series. The key components to the story are already in the synopsis and I don't want to give away key aspects of the plot. However, suffice to say that Gregory Ashe's writing is sublime. The only reason I took so long to read this book is because it was a slow burn for which you needed to be able to concentrate as Ashe built the foundations of a sad crime story and in many ways a familiar story. The difference here is the story is told well. Once we got that foundation I was away and I finished 70% of the book in a day. Within all if this we have Hazard and Somers relationship that continues to be compelling, both complex and beautiful. We learn more about their internal worlds and why they are so right for each other. As always I want the audible book too because I know Tristan James will do a good job of catching the myriad of emotions that rise from the telling. Also, the title of the next book, can you imagine what's coming! Thankfully not to long too wait.’’

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Brilliant

By far the best narrator I've listened to. The whole Hazard and Somerset series is addictive. I dread the day when it ends...

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Brilliant

I have read and listened to all the hazard and Somerset stories and the pull me in every time. Great mysteries with strong characters who a full.of angst and love that is most difficult. I do recommend the books and audio books. The narrator does a fab job of making the characters feel real. Really good stff.

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To solve a murder

I am relatively new to the whole Hazard and Somerset pairing, and I’m pretty sure John-Henry’s father has been in previous books. Well, frankly, I don’t like the guy. He’s running for mayor and is convinced he’ll only win if his gay son moves out of the home he shares with his gay lover. I understood why John-Henry moved out, but it took him down a notch or two in my estimation. In Emery Hazard’s as well. There’s more going on than he knows about, but he also knows he doesn’t function well without his other half. Then rumours start that John-Henry is getting back together with his ex-wife and all hell breaks loose. I also have to say there’s a lot of dysfunction in the relationship and it breaks my heart how often the men hurt each other – whether intentionally or not.

Oh yeah, and the men are still working. Somerset’s father has asked Emery to look into a case of blackmail – an interesting backdrop to the real mystery. Emery is approached by a woman who wants him to track down her sister. The wayward sister. The irresponsible sister. This responsible woman and her parents have cared for the errant sister’s daughter for years – through the woman’ flights of fancy – but now that the woman appears gone for good, the ne’er do well father of the child has taken custody. And isn’t he just a piece of work. Between him and his parents, I really did wonder for the little girl’s safety.

But as missing person turns to a murder investigation, Hazard needs Somerset the cop. And as Somerset is a step behind, he needs Hazard the PI. So the men are forced to work together and, to top it off, there are political machinations at the office as well. Add to that the fact Hazard’s father is dying, and the men have a lot going on.

I enjoyed this book. I was surprised at the end to see who the real killer was. That always ranks high in my estimation. Tristan James did a brilliant job narrating the story – as he has with the entire series. There’s one more book to go when all will be revealed – I can’t wait.

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Interesting Story

The concept is interesting and reasonable well written. The characters are likeable and the narration is very good.

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I really like this series

I've followed all the Hazard and Somerset books since the start of the first series. I really like them as a couple and they deal with real-world same-sex couple issues. This book, in particular, dealt with the impact on Somerset's life of his coming out. But they also solve crimes, build a network of associates, deal with their families and live in a town which is on a journey from conservative blue-collar to more liberal university community. Many of the social and personal issues that happen in the Hazard and Somerset universe are playing out in real-time in the real world at the moment so these are all really relevant issues.
At times Hazard's mental health is a real concern and he feels like a pressure cooker about to explode, at other times the violence is extreme to the point of gratuitous, but other readers will not feel the same.
I'm looking forward to the end of this series and (hopefully) hearing that the Keeper of Bees has been brought to justice.

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Deals with the devil

If you make deals with the devil (in this case, Somers' father), you must expect payback. Probably at a time most inconvenient to you and everyone else.

After reminding us of our heroes' two separate deals, Gregory Ashe goes on to examine family ties. How they can pull you every-which-way. Foul up your decision making. And create waves through the rest of your everyday life.

Hazard feels this, all of this, acutely. And he doesn't help himself with Somers by indulging in the kind of double-think I suspect we've all employed at one time or another. Trying to solve a case with this fissure in the central relationship makes for added tension and difficulties. Does it all resolve? Of course, but not before the author puts everyone through the emotional wringer.

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