Gregory Ashe - Orientation

Shaw and North are best friends, private detectives, and in danger of losing their agency. A single bad case, followed by crippling lawsuits, has put them on the brink of closing shop. Until, that is, a client walks into their Benton Park office.
Matty Fennmore is young, blond, and beautiful, and he’s in danger. When he asks for Shaw and North’s help foiling a blackmail scheme, the detectives are quick to accept.
The conspiracy surrounding Matty runs deeper than Shaw and North expect. As they dig into the identity of Matty’s blackmailer, they are caught in a web that touches politicians, the local LGBT community, and the city’s police.
An attack on Matty drives home the rising stakes of the case, and Shaw and North must race to find the blackmailer before he can silence Matty. But a budding romance lays bare long-buried feelings between Shaw and North, and as their relationship splinters, solving the case may come at the cost of their friendship.

Comment: This is the first book in a trilogy by Gregory Ashe, an author whose work is now familiar to me. I have found most of his books to be good but not great, but considering that I had this trilogy already anyway, I've figured, why not.

North and Shaw are best friends who also have a detective agency together. They are both gay which helped in finding a niche, one that specializes in cases aimed for the LGBT community, whose members are often discriminated. The story starts  with Matty Fennmore, who tells him the story of how he's being blackmailed by someone he trusted and who now is demanding money in exchange of keeping a certain video, one Matty didn't know was being recorded. However, the case isn't as simple as finding the blackmailer, something they learn when they meet the police near the guy's apartment. At the same time, things are stressful between North and Shaw, since their friendship is also hiding some more deeper feelings neither assumes...

I confess I was a little apprehensive with starting this trilogy. I have enjoyed some books y the author, but his style is clearly one that aims for a lot of psychological development and his protagonists go through a lot before any HEA is on the horizon. Then, he also has another series (I've tried the first book) which is lighter, but the protagonist was a little OTT. I hoped this one would more balanced.

In this first book we get to know the investigator duo, and what we learn about them in between the lines is as telling as what they share through dialogue. This is probably what the author does best, and I'm saying it after having read about protagonists in three different series. The intensity and the drama and the tension - not always sexual - can be felt constantly. On one hand this is what makes the reading quite captivating, this need to see one scene or detail that proves everything, but on the other it can be a bit exhausting being on the edge.

Shaw and North have quite the history between them, and in their personal lives. I liked learning tidbits about them all the time but it does get a little tiring to keep track of each nuance and hint too. Also, I must say that for people who know each other for so long, their repressed feelings seem to be highlighted a lot and I could not help wonder how could they even go on through their days, considering that every action in the book always had the "weight" of their personal thoughts regarding the other. I suppose this is done so that it can be even more rewarding to see the HEA, but it's obvious it won't be easy.

I guess that, perhaps, this won't take as long as in the other series I've read, since now it's only three books.. besides, North is dealing with a personal issue that cannot be easy to deal with, much less solve. Things now seem to be too difficult to be solved. It also doesn't help, in my opinion, that every character somehow, protagonist included, is almost too complicated, too brainy and complexity of characters seems to be synonym with personality. I don't think this is the best approach as often as it's used.

Regarding the case they are investigating, I won't go into spoilers but the culprit becomes easy to guess once a certain situation takes place. I don't know if the goal was to do something shocking or not, I think the tactic was clever enough and provided interesting interactions and development. As for the reasons of the villain and the method in which the crimes were committed... part of me always felt some detachment from what was going on, but it turned out to be a good element of this book.

All said, this was quite captivating in general, but I cannot let go of the fact it was tiring to read about characters who were always on the go, always on the edge of learning/doing something and it's as if they don't have a personal life. Plus, with drama... still, I felt I had to try, so I will finish the trilogy, I just hope the next installment is more balanced.

Grade: 6/10

Gregory Ashe - Mystery Magnet

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.

Comment: In 2021 I've read the Hazard and Somerset series by Gregory Ashe. It was a drama/angst series where the police investigations of each case were as complex as the relationship between the protagonists.

Now, I've tried this story, from a new lighter and cozier series, because I was curious to see how such a different type of book would be written by him, when all I knew was his "darker" side, let's say.

In this first story of the series, we meet Dashiell "Dash" Dane, a mystery author down on his luck in terms of inspiration, also trying to be far away from his ex, just as he is about to have a job interview with famous author Vivienne Carver. It should be irrelevant his parents know Vivianne and made it easier for him to have this chance, but he was still eager to try since he is now on the opposed coast of his ex. However, as soon as he arrives the problems begin, namely, the fact that Vivienne is murdered and all clues point to Dash!

With the help of the new friends he meets, as well as one dedicated police officer, Dash will try his best to put into action what he attempted only through characters in his books: to solve the mystery and prove his innocence. The problem is that the real killer is on to him...

It is true I had some expectations in regards to this novel. I did read one or two positive reviews by readers I share a taste with in regards to some authors who also loved the other series I had read and that was enough to convince me to try. Plus, it was handy the book wasn't big, and I figured I'd read it quickly.

My curiosity about the author's skill to write a different genre made me think the expectations I had were a little too high. I say this, not in the sense the story wasn't competently written; I think it's unlikely the author would not write something well or in a way that would be seen as weak. I suppose two things were in play here for me to have a less than excited response: I was used to a darker, more serious vibe from the other series and it was harder to let go than I thought, and since this is a lot shorter, page wise, most of the content happens in a way that feels less developed. I might be unfair here; after all, there are more books ahead and several elements related to the characters at least will certainly evolve...

The element that made me less enthusiastic as the story went on was how everything seemed to need to be presented as if people were always high. Well, it seemed so! Besides Milly, a character who seemed to speak loudly all the time (graphically, some of her dialogue was even in CAPS), every character with the exception of officer Bobby had some kind of quirkiness to them and acted and spoke as if something was always ongoing, always had to be discussed, always had to be seen through a cluttered POV. Considering this, I started to actually feel tired of reading, because it felt as if no task was ever done without hassle and lots of people giving their input.

It also didn't help (me) that Dash is a bit of an airhead... well, I thought so as he goes along, especially with all the crazy, ridiculous situations he sees himself in. I can't tell if the goal was for this cozy mystery to be seen as a comedy too, but if that was the intention, it didn't convince me. In fact, along with the quirkiness, there are plenty of scenes in which characters only seem to, kind of, fit exactly to the stereotype of the role they play in the story... perhaps this was the author's intention, to perhaps be sarcastic?or it was just my impression.

Back to Dash, he is likable I suppose, but too much of a fluff-brain (I'm uncertain if this is the best expression) to my preference in a protagonist. Again, I guess it's intentional to counterbalance with his future love interest, who is more serious, but to be honest I can't say if I'd be able to support so much silliness/distraction from a protagonist. I can't concentrate on his lack of concentration if this makes sense!

This means, personality wise he is sweet and so on, but not a character I'd want to talk to on a daily basis. Regarding his work, it's true he is told to be uninspired, but it would have been nice to have scenes with him trying to write, if he is a writer. Of course, when it comes to the mystery and Vivienne's death, he guesses some things and solves the mystery, but unlike other whodunits or cozy mysteries I've tried, I wasn't as sold on his thought process... I think the idea might be to develop this element as the stories go along, but on the chance it won't I'll probably not read more.

This series also hints at a possible romance between Dash and officer Bobby. Nothing happens in this book except some scenes meant to indicate how suitable they would be for one another, how easy it would be for them to be good for one another. Since Bobby has a boyfriend, it is only an idea, but it seems to be the way things will go. I'm actually relieved nothing happened, because not only would it be too soon, but both probably need to know each other better and go through other things before anything would become established.

Despite some positive elements, the overall effect was not one of amazing story. Let me just say I was glad when the story was over. I mean, I might be unfair, the mystery is intriguing enough and clearly an attempt of doing something clever, but the rest of the story was so busy that this part almost felt like secondary. If the second book were to become available to me in the library (doubtful in my local one) I'd try, but to look for it on purpose, perhaps not.

Grade: 5/10

Gregory Ashe - Criminal Past

It all starts to go wrong at the shooting gallery. Emery Hazard and his boyfriend, John-Henry Somerset, just want to enjoy the day at the Dore County Independence Fair. At the shooting gallery, though, Hazard comes face to face with one of his old bullies: Mikey Grames. Even as a drugged-out wreck, Mikey is a reminder of all the ugliness in Hazard’s past. Worse, Mikey seems to know something Hazard doesn’t—something about the fresh tension brewing in town.
When the Chief of Police interrupts Hazard’s day at the fair, she has a strange request. She doesn’t want Hazard and Somers to solve a murder. She wants them to prevent one. The future victim? Mayor Sherman Newton—a man who has tried to have Hazard and Somers killed at least once.
Hazard and Somers try to work out the motive of the man threatening Newton, and the trail leads them into a conspiracy of corrupt law enforcement, white supremacists, and local politicians. As Hazard and Somers dig into the case, their search takes them into the past, where secrets have lain buried for twenty years.
Determined to get to the truth, Hazard finds himself racing for answers, but he discovers that sometimes the past isn’t buried very deep. Sometimes, it isn’t dead. Sometimes, it isn’t even past. And almost always, it’s better left alone.

Comment: This is the final installment in the original Hazard and Somerset series by Gregory Ashe. There are (apparently) two spin off series, which can be read as sequels to this one, but this book clearly marks the end of this arc, let's call it that.

In this story Hazard and Somerset finally gain closure on the big mysteries still surrounding their past and the reason why they were enemies. It's true they are now a couple but despite acknowledging mutual attraction and even real love, some unfinished business still influenced some of their personal thoughts. Now, as a new task is given to them by their boss, present and past collide and it's finally time to discover truths from all those years ago. Could it be that the event that propelled this whole thing, especially why Hazard returned to his home town, wasn't as simple as he was led to believe...?

I feel glad this part of the characters' story is done. It was quite a ride, especially considering the evolution of their relationship had more angst than happy scenes and the whole series was coated with this sense of doom, not because something bad was obvious from the get go as a possible path, but because one could feel the road to happiness would not be easy and probably would mean a lot of frustration.

I think most readers of romance - no matter its sub divisions - always hope the HEA is set in stone or that if not, the clues pointing out to that are more than expected, even if the characters make silly choices on the way. This happened here, both Hazard and Somerset came from a complicated past and underneath many things, there was the what if scenario had they done things differently. I would think this is heavier on Somerset's mind than Hazard's but while the psychological issues of their relationship, both then and now, is very complex and dealt with, I can't say it was truly satisfying... I suppose something has to be left over for the next series...

This book is certainly more focused on plot and all its loose threads since book #1. I can appreciate closure, both for me since I was invested in the story, and for the characters who deserve to close a chapter so they can go to the next with a clean slate (I hope!). Nevertheless, the solving things took a long time and I had the feeling the author really went in more directions with this book than with the others, which also increased page count. I don't mind this in general, but in this case, at some point, it started to feel a little repetitive.

I say this because several scenes took a long time to happen, they had plenty of description of both actions and emotions and I feel some more editing wouldn't have hurt the overall vibe. The tone was clearly darker than in other books and some of the things being described seemed heavier, more difficult to stomach, both in what was on the page and in what it entailed, psychological and humanely. The themes explored with how this whole thing is finally solved aren't easy and the author really went further when it comes to how intensely the characters dealt with things. Some chapters weren't easy to read and that affected how enjoyable the global experience of this book was.

I mean, I liked the author didn't cut back on possible backgrounds and didn't run from serious and complicated issues. but yes, this book felt the darkest of them all. So, of course, how could Hazard and Somerset be at a better place, but I surely hope that, even if continuing with this serious/angsty tone in future books, their relationship won't be too challenged, otherwise what would have been the point of creating such complex dynamics?

All in all, I liked some parts better than others and despite the things I found less appealing, I still consider this a good book, mostly because of the emotional investment I had already done.

Grade: 7/10

Gregory Ashe - Reasonable Doubt

After almost twenty years, Emery Hazard finally has the man he loves. But things with his boyfriend and fellow detective, John-Henry Somerset, are never easy, and they’ve been more complicated lately for two reasons: Somers’s ex-wife and daughter. No matter what Hazard does, he can’t seem to get away from the most important women in his boyfriend’s life.
While Hazard struggles with his new reality (changing dirty diapers, just to start), a bizarre murder offers a distraction. John Oscar Walden, the leader of a local cult, is found dead by the police, and the case falls to Hazard and Somers. The investigation takes the two detectives into the cult’s twisted relationships and the unswerving demands of power and faith.
But the deeper Hazard looks into the cult, the deeper he must look into his own past, where belief and reason have already clashed once. And as Hazard struggles to protect the most vulnerable of Walden’s victims, he uncovers a deeper, more vicious plot behind Walden’s murder, and Hazard finds himself doing what he never expected: racing to save the killer.
Only, that is, if Somers doesn’t need him to babysit.

Comment: This is the 5th installment in the Hazard and Somerset series by Gregory Ashe. Again, I enjoyed reading another book in the series which keeps them pretty much at the same level in how much I appreciate them.

In this story the two protagonists are now living together and have admitted their relationship to others, meaning they don't hide they are a couple. Of course there are still plenty of issues to be dealt with in their personal lives and that affects some of their reactions but now there's a new case to investigate and they need to give their attention to it. The problem is that the case is one involving a cult and one person they help is a young man, who seems to have been brainwashed by the other members, something that makes  Hazard feel something personal and he tries his best to guide the boy in a better direction. However, the twists are just beginning...

This is the fifth book I read in this series and I have concluded that, in general, they have pretty much the same style and tone. Of the five, I can't say I have a favorite for any specific reason... so far, I would say the previous one has to be the one readers would say the personal relationship advanced the most but in terms of plot and twists, I kind of liked this one better. This to say, it feels the series is quite balanced, nothing stands out too much.

This said, I think it's important to mention too how much of an investment this has to be because I don't think these books should be read out of order. The crime investigation and so on perhaps yes, but the two protagonists are so closely linked to their personal and mutual paths that reading out of order could be confusing, if one felt truly invested.

In this book the plot is centered on the investigation of a cult member's death. I know cults aren't exclusive of America but this story's setting being there, I can't help thinking about many other religious cults known, especially in real life, which are based in some American state. It's just interesting that in a country with strong protestant and catholic roots, there are so many sects and cults and organizations that use religion as a means to be different. I think the psychology of how this all works is fascinating, but I bet this would not be how those who have escaped it would characterize them.

I don't think the author went too far into cult identity here, after al the plot is more centered on the crime than on the cult itself. It also seemed that the cult had a very limited number of members and what made them a cult was generic enough to not make it distinguished enough. I actually thought we would get more of this but the path taken by the story was another. Still, the whole cult dynamics and how fae some members were in how they saw the cult's purpose was information enough, I suppose.

I feel pity the plot went the road it did in regards to the young man Hazard felt a connection with. I wish things had been done differently but I can see why it would be possible for such a situation to happen. Also, there's a twist close to the end, and I didn't see it coming... it was nice to connect the dots when the truth was revealed, yes, but there were secondary issues which I feel could have been done better.

As for Hazard and Somerset's relationship, it's obvious they still have things to work out, they aren't yet fully able to relax in their skin while thinking about the other one but it was surprising to see how apparently easy they went public. Everyone knows, they demonstrate their affection in public (within the morally and socially acceptable, I mean!) and their co workers tease them about it. I don't have a problem with this, it's actually fun and positive it is being portrayed but... after so much pining and angst from the past, despite their doubts here and there, despite their personalities...it felt so... easy, how the whole thing just settled.

All things considered, this was another solid installment in the series, not as remarkable as I imagined it could be after the last book, but constant enough to feel like I'm among people I know. I'm looking for to read the final installment in this series.

Grade: 8/10

Gregory Ashe - Guilt By Association

Everything in Emery Hazard’s life is finally going well: his boyfriend, Nico, is crazy about him; he has a loyal partner at work; and he has successfully closed a series of difficult murders. By all accounts, he should be happy. What he can’t figure out, then, is why he’s so damn miserable.
After a fight with Nico, Hazard needs work to take his mind off his relationship. And someone in town is happy to oblige by murdering the sheriff. The job won’t be easy; the sheriff had enemies, lots of them, and narrowing down the list of suspects will be difficult. Difficult, but routine.
The arrival of a special prosecutor, however, throws the case into turmoil, and Hazard and Somers find themselves sidelined. With an agenda of his own, the prosecutor forces the case toward his favorite suspect, while Hazard and Somers scramble to find the real killer. As the people they care about are drawn into the chaos, Hazard and Somers have to fight to keep what they love--and to keep each other. To find the killer, they will have to reveal what each has kept buried for years: their feelings for each other.
And for Hazard, that’s a hell of a lot scarier than murder.

Comment: This is the fourth installment in the Hazard and Somerset series by Gregory Ashe. Since I have enjoyed the others, of course I'm keeping up with the series.

In this story, the two detectives once again see themselves in the middle of a tricky case to solve. The clues seem to be lacking an obvious connection but they are determined to learn who would want to murder the sheriff. As the investigation develops, new characters come to light as having a motive to cause harm, but how to prove it? At the same time, Hazard is debating on whether to break up with his boyfriend and Somerset feels his marriage might not be salvageable. Could it be that this time they will finally talk?

Once again, I'm marveled by the author's ability to come up with details for the investigation of the crimes he invents in his plots. I think it's safe to say this isn't as complex as other writers might have done in the past and it's not as far fetched as some of the most ingenious plots have been, but as a whole, I think it's safe to assume, most of the details and reasoning are well thought. Still, I saw some comments on how the crime wasn't really well done but I can see someone who breathes crime books might think so.

This to say that, for me, this turned out to be a clever murder investigation, with plenty of distractions in between for us to wonder about who could have done it or, like in my case, to simply enjoy the ride as the new information comes to explain the whys and hows. In this regard, the death of the sheriff certainly fixes some loose ends from previous books but the reason for his murder wasn't as black and white as that. I think the author did an effort to make things go smoothly, even though there were scenes which felt a little repetitive and too focused on the drama instead of the practicality.

However, this book is well liked for most readers of the series for a completely different reason. By this fourth installment, we finally have the protagonists talking and sharing some sincere thoughts, which leads them into a mutual compromise. I, for one, was very glad to see where things went and by the end of the book, I was feeling very happy, indeed.

It's true Hazard and Somerset evolve as each book comes along but that is a very, very slow process and it seems as if the author delays progress on purpose. On one hand, I assume because his style is to highlight the tension and the dramas, but it's also certainly convenient to keep the series ongoing too.

Their personalities are different, true, but in the end they are quite alike in terms of values and behaviors, even if their roads in life were different. I can imagine that part of the next books will be how they deal with their new status and how they will deal with the secondary character's opinions and what role do all those people play in the big scheme of things. There are enough loose ends yet to be fixes and I hope the author goes on a good direction with all this because if there was a bad decision would be to complicate what is now being solved...

This is a positive book for me but mainly because I have the background of the other books. I don't think it's a good idea to randomly start with this one. For real, this is one of those series better read in order. Next month I'm reading the next and I hope it is good.

Grade: 8/10

Gregory Ashe - Paternity Case

It’s almost Christmas, and Emery Hazard finds himself face to face with his own personal nightmare: going on a double date with his partner—and boyhood crush—John-Henry Somerset. Hazard brings his boyfriend; Somers brings his estranged wife. Things aren’t going to end well.
When a strange call interrupts dinner, however, Hazard and his partner become witnesses to a shooting. The victims: Somers’s father, and the daughter of a high school friend. The crime is inexplicable. There is no apparent motive, no connection between the victims, and no explanation for how the shooter reached his targets.
Determined to get answers, Hazard and Somers move forward with their investigation in spite of mounting pressure to stop. Their search for the truth draws them into a dark web of conspiracy and into an even darker tangle of twisted love and illicit desire. And as the two men come face to face with the passions and madness behind the crime, they must confront their own feelings for each other—and the hard truths that neither man is ready to accept.

Comment: This is the third installment in the Hazard and Somerset series, which I'm continuing to go through in the following months since the first two books were appealing enough to make me curious.

In this third story, Hazard and Somerset are in a double date at a restaurant with their respective partners when a phone call makes them run to Somerset's parents' house, where some sort of trouble is happening. When they arrive things are a chaos and they witness a shooting, Somerset's father is hit as well as a girl who wasn't behaving very properly. As the investigating begins, they are shocked the prime suspect is also killed by one of their colleagues for, apparently, resisting detention. It seems something shady is going on but who could be the real killer and the one who planned the whole thing? Besides this, Hazard also has to worry about his relationship with younger boyfriend Nico and how, despite his best efforts, he still can't get over his crush on Somerset... will there be any way to make things be well?

I believe I've said in my previous post on this series but this is definitely a series to read in order. Structurally, the plot has a beginning, middle and end which can be satisfying for the police/investigation POV and the reader can have closure on that but the personal relationships of all the characters, mainly the protagonists, is another issue. It has been frustrating but I keep hoping the emotional investment will pay off in the end.

Hazard and Somerset have history and Hazard was bullied by Somerset and his buddies while in high school. He is now more confident on his abilities and his personality but he still can't let go of his memories, especially since he actually has a crush on Somerset and always had. We are obviously aware he more than likes Somerset but he thinks the other man doesn't think of him that way and would see him only as another experiment. He is conflicted by the innuendos and flirting but feels nothing could come out of it.

Somerset is a man with issues. Well, both are but to me Somerset is in a more difficult position now, for he still struggles a little with who he was in his youth, he has a child, he has a problem with drinking and he thinks Hazard has rejected him after a very silly encounter neither truly understood. I'm eager for the moment they not only get over their prejudices over one another but that they embrace their feelings. I mean, obviously they will be together at some point, they will become a couple, but I'm more interested in seeing them steady, happy and stable in being a couple. That seems to be far yet...

As for the plot of this book, it was quite clever in a way... the motives and such were quite well thought but to be honest, the investigation itself isn't as smooth as I'd have liked. In a way, I'd have preferred the police procedures to be more traditionally described or for the group of police officers to be more united... often it feels as if everyone has problems, everyone has hidden agendas or everyone conveniently shares something only at the moment it benefits the plot. I understand this tactic but it makes things a little too staged, not as one would imagine a real investigation might go on.

The characters, including the secondary ones, are quite complex. The reasons why they act and why they hide things... I like the fact we get to see so much depth and intricacies in how they act and interact. Still, the fascinating part in these books has to be the romance and all its evolution. Probably, one of the best elements is the tension between the protagonists and the little things we learn as they get closer. It does feel promising to imagine how they will eventually get along and defend/love each other.

However, it does seem that there are too many obstacles and after so long creating this animosity, could it really be believable when they finally decide they can be a couple? I sure hope this pays off.

Grade: 7/10

Gregory Ashe - Transposition

Emery Hazard and his partner, John-Henry Somerset, have solved their first case together. The brutal murders that rocked the quiet town of Wahredua have been put to rest. Hazard, however, finds his life has only grown more complicated as he adjusts to his new home. Living with Somers, whom he has been drawn to since high school, makes ‘complicated’ the understatement of the year.
The turmoil of living together spills over when Hazard and Somers find themselves trapped by the weather in an old mansion and, against Hazard’s better judgment, sharing a bed. Strictly as friends, of course. Just when things can’t get any more confusing, the next morning brings a worsening storm--and a murder.
Cut off from the outside world, Hazard and Somers must face a clever, determined killer who is hiding among the mansion’s guests. Without backup, they can only rely on their wits--and on each other--to survive. And as the snow falls and the mansion’s guests continue to die one by one, solving the string of murders becomes secondary. First, Hazard and Somers have to survive.

Comment: This is the second installment in the Hazard and Somerset series by author Gregory Ashe. I liked the first book enough to want to keep reading, plus there's also the bait of wanting to see how the relationship between the main characters develops into a romance...

In this story the protagonists are about to leave for the Thanksgiving holidays when Somerset picks up a last minute call, forcing them to go to someone's house when practically everyone is already gone. On the way, they stop to help someone who isn't too friendly and they realize the roads have become rather dangerous. When they leave the caller's house, they see themselves in quite a complicated situation for the storm which was predicted was much more serious than anticipated and they can't leave the area because of blocked roads. Therefore, they take shelter in a close propriety, that Somerset happens to know more or less well and the people staying there welcome them to stay. The group is rather weird and they seem to be playacting some kind of murder game, but things become very dire when someone actually dies. Can Somerset and Hazard solve the mystery happening around them?

I think this story had a more atmospheric mystery being investigated than the first book. The plot of having people in an isolated area from the rest and without the possibility of immediate rescue/help is often used in crime books but it's not always easy to pull off. In here, I think the author managed to do a good enough work and let me tell you, there were several scenes that felt very creepy, not because this horror, no, but because I could picture the adrenaline while facing something scary and this happened in several moments.

The crimes aren't caused by anything special out of the usual motives, but the fact the cast of characters was unique and we got to know enough things about them and their lives made this feel quite well engineered...although I should say it did feel odd how some characters simply kept face while crimes were being committed and no one felt they could speak up... but to be fair, the isolation certainly got to them...

The atmosphere is very claustrophobic because it felt like things were happening so quickly and there was no room to escape. If the author aimed for this to be similar to those stories where people isolated somewhere were being killed, that was achieved, but the author's trademark on writing about people in such a way that things have to be kept secret starts to feel a bit...tiring. I say this because every time Somerset or Hazard asked questions or seemed to move a step in the right direction, something would be revealed and the process didn't feel as organic as it could. I mean, it was clear from the writing that the characters didn't reveal things because something had to be found later, not because it felt natural.

Still, that didn't ruin the reading experience for me. Especially because my main interest wasn't the crime investigation itself, no matter how I ended up liking most of it. What really drives me to read this is the dynamics and interactions between Somerset and Hazard. Obviously, the author wants to delay how the relationship develops and what would take one or two books in some cases, is being spread out in six if I saw correctly how many books the series will have.

The two have a past in common when Somerset was Hazard's bully in high school. Much of their interactions is now being measured by that and what it meant, but they have personal issues to solve, which I assume will be dealt with as the books went by. I believe this was a very traditional middle book where we are given hints about their feelings but it wasn't as desperately obvious as in the first book. I understand the delay and the idea of not putting all the cards in the table but I can't agree it always works out, even more so when Somerset (mostly) keeps flirting as if that is perfectly normal to do with someone who you aren't certain will want to reciprocate...

All things considered, this was good enough to make me want to keep reading the series and see if the final pay off will be really rewarding...

Grade: 7/10

Gregory Ashe - Pretty Pretty Boys

After Emery Hazard loses his job as a detective in Saint Louis, he heads back to his hometown--and to
the local police force there. Home, though, brings no happy memories, and the ghosts of old pain are very much alive in Wahredua. Hazard’s new partner, John-Henry Somerset, had been one of the worst tormentors, and Hazard still wonders what Somerset’s role was in the death of Jeff Langham, Hazard’s first boyfriend.
When a severely burned body is discovered, Hazard finds himself drawn deeper into the case than he expects. Determining the identity of the dead man proves impossible, and solving the murder grows more and more unlikely. But as the city’s only gay police officer, Hazard is placed at the center of a growing battle between powerful political forces. To his surprise, Hazard finds an unlikely ally in his partner, the former bully. And as they spend more time together, something starts to happen between them, something that Hazard can’t--and doesn’t want--to explain.
The discovery of a second mutilated corpse, though, reveals clues that the two murders are linked, and as Hazard gets closer to answers, he uncovers a conspiracy of murder and betrayal that goes deeper--and closer to home--than he could ever expect.

Comment: I admit I decided to try this book after seeing so many positive reviews, especially by readers whose opinion I trust. I knew this would not include a finished romance but I was eager to be captivated by a brand new series I could dedicate myself to...

In this series we follow detective Emery Hazard as he starts a new job in his hometown. He doesn't have any fond memories of his childhood and youth spent in the place and he got out as soon as he could but a problem in his previous work made him accept an offer from the last place he actually wanted to see again. However, at the same time, he feels he has unfinished business after all the bullying he suffered for being gay and because he still wants revenge on the three boys who were the reason why his best friend and potential first boyfriend Jeff, killed himself. That is why he returns but he was certainly not counting on the fact that his partner-to-be on the job is one of those bullies he so wants to interrogate... can he work with someone he remembers as an enemy? Can they fix their differences and work as a team to solve the crimes being committed recently?

I think the premise for this series is quite interesting. I already know things will eventually be solved in the following books, but this uncomfortable idea of having to work close with one of the guys the main character most hated through his life was really well thought. Even more so because Emery's feelings of the past aren't just about revenge and also because of the dynamics in place.

It goes without saying that this will be a slow burn type of series, where it takes time for the characters to come to be at the right point in their lives for things to work then. There is history between Emery and his partner in the force John Henry. The dynamics between them as the story moves along are small but clever. We only have hints about what happened in the past, why John Henry was a bully and what his motivations had to be for him to behave in a way we would immediately assume was unfair.

It does seem as if I'm giving a lot of emphasis to the relationship between the main characters but in truth, that is precisely what drives me to want to know what happens next. This reminds me a little of the Cormoran and Robin possibilities from Robert Galbraith's series in the sense that things will develop slowly as the series advances but with each installment, I have the feeling we will see more and more why the two of them are good partners, in all levels.

Of the to protagonists, I suppose we are led to be more supportive of Emery. It was actually pretty amazing to have both their POVs in alternate chapters because this allows us to continue with the plot having different ways of thinking of things. In a way, though, I feel it made it easier for me to suspect the villain even more... I wouldn't go as far as to say it was predictable, but certain clues certainly pointed in that direction...  

But back to the protagonists, Emery is clearly still living of anger and not letting go of what he still feels is due to him. I can understand him and his life choices but I also imagine that by letting go of his anger towards John Henry and even accepting his conflicting feelings for him (it's rather obvious 😄) will be the key to let him have a happy life. As for John Henry, he seems to be a certain way, laid back but too caring (as seen by his self punishment by being a drunk) so he doesn't know how to simply be whomever he wants to be...again, I can only expect his relationship with Emery will help him too. A true partnership!

Of course, this being a mystery series too, being the central one the uncovering of what truly happened to Jeff in the past, a good part of the plot is also dedicated to the crime investigations. In this first book, the theme was quite provoking, for it opposed those who believe communities like the LGBT one should be more forceful in demanding rights and equality and the (I suppose I can call it that) "white supremacists" who want the country free of all who are not people "of good". Since reality is still so raw over these types of fights, and with the rise of extreme right supports everywhere, it seems, the theme was obviously a worrisome one. Quite clever of the author, and the close look at reality makes the story even easier to grab onto, but at the same time, some passages weren't easy to read without feeling a little angry.

The book was good, some things I feel were dragging, some things were repeated a bit too much and now always with a clear intention and I also think some scenes weren't done with the right amount of angst or whatever emotion was more suitable. In that regard, here and there, I feel the author could have pushed things further without ruining the flow.

All things considered, I've become a fan of what this is promising to be and I'll certainly keep reading, although probably only closer to the end of the year...

Grade: 8/10