Three months have passed since Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset faced a madman and lived to tell about it.Three months have passed since Emery Hazard resigned from his job as a detective.Three months can be too long and too short, all at the same time.On Halloween, a professor at the local college is murdered in his apartment, in front of dozens of witnesses. Then the killer disappears. … the killer disappears. Somers is assigned the case—and a new partner.
While Somers investigates the murder, Hazard struggles to find purpose in his new freedom. Despite his decision to stay away, he finds himself drawn to the case. But he’s no longer police, and in the small town of Wahredua, not all of his former colleagues are happy to see him investigating another crime.
When the sheriff’s son and husband go missing, though, the case becomes more complicated than either Hazard or Somers had expected. And soon they learn that someone else is manipulating events in Wahredua.
Someone who is very interested in Emery Hazard.
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Oh Hazard, I just can’t quit you, baby.
Hazard and Somerset are back in an all-new arc of murder and mystery called, A Union of Swords. I shotgunned this entire series without even coming up for breath, and now that I’ve recovered mentally and emotionally, thought it’d be polite to leave my without question, 5 star reviews. First off, if you’re new to Gregory Ashe or these characters, you must absolutely begin with Pretty Pretty Boys, which is Book 1 of the Hazard and Somerset Mysteries. There’s so much growth between the main characters, world-building, and countless players in the town of Wahredua, that without those first six titles, you will be utterly lost and unable to appreciate the plot of The Rational Faculty.
The events of Criminal Past are behind our heroes and life has been absolutely bleak and upside down for Emery Hazard. After willingly resigning from his position of detective and losing what he felt was his true sense of purpose in life, even the comfort of domesticity with boyfriend, John-Henry Somerset and their daughter, Evie, is like ash in his mouth. Part of Hazard, maybe the part that’s unwilling to admit this so early in the story, is struggling because of the ease of life. Being a partner and a father is fine, but when Somers is at work and Evie is at preschool, who is Hazard? He’s not a cop anymore. He’s not a detective anymore. He’s home alone, horribly depressed, and adrift in life. And the last three months certainly haven’t been peaches for Somers, either. He’s worried about Hazard, can see there’s a problem, doesn’t know how to help—what to do or what to say—and even worse, now he’s got a new partner on the force. Hazard isn’t coming back to fill that desk.
Then a professor at the local college is brutally murdered on Halloween, in a room of party-goers-turned-witnesses no less, and somehow the killer escapes. Somers and Dulac’s investigation manages to pull Hazard in, when he flirts with the idea of opening of PI business and is hired by a young man with connections to the college, then everything gets dark fast when a killer known only as Keeper of Bees is whispered about throughout the investigation.
Oh boy, what an excellent book! I’d put off the Union of Swords arc for a bit because I knew it was going to be emotional turmoil for Hazard and I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for that after the chaos of Criminal Past. Well, I wasn’t, but when I finally dove in, I didn’t stop—the series was just that engaging. There’s some absolutely wonderful character development in this book, with difficult topics that needed to be addressed, and the murder mystery was wild as hell. This book kicked off the new arc with the same energy and maniacal storytelling as when we were first introduced to this amazing, crime-solving duo. Wholly, without question, recommend you pick up this arc, if you’ve not yet done so.
One word: INTENSE.
I got caught in all that is Hazard and Somerset. The most perfectly imperfect fictional relationship. The mystery, the angst and emotional pain, the relationship woes and the ugly reality of the world are top notch. Mr Ashe tackles difficult topics, does not sugarcoat and brings the story to shattering gut-wrenching climax. The sarcastic humor and tender moments make this a total win for me.
Beginning of a brilliant series (an audio review)
I started this series at book 2 then did 4 and 5 and am now circling back to 1. Do I recommend the series be read in order? Yes. Can you dive in and enjoy yourself? Also, yes. This series is also a spin-off from a previous one and I haven’t listened to those – but I have plans.
So, on to the actual story. Hazard and Somerset were partners in the Wahredua police department. Hazard left and is at loose ends while Somerset continues on the job, but now with a new partner. Somerset isn’t sold on Gray Dulac, but he’s at least willing to give the younger man a chance. Hazard isn’t pleased at all – he misses his time with Somerset. And now he’s at home with time on his hands. He’s trying to be a good house husband, but it’s tough. The men share custody of their three-year-old daughter with Somerset’s ex-wife and Hazard is protective of the little girl. And of the family they’ve made.
A murder of a college professor brings out many different characters – most of whom hated the man – and a few who wished him ill. Somerset and Dulac are officially on the case while Hazard is hired by a third party to solve the mystery. Then the sheriff’s son and his husband go missing and Hazard’s hands are full. Then there’s the utility sink that needs repair. The symbol of what isn’t working in the Hazard/Somerset relationship.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this book. As the mystery unfolds and the professor’s murder is solved, things shift to the missing men. That resolution will propel the next few books.
I like being challenged as a reader. I don’t read many thrillers, but I’m so glad I’ve picked up this series. I also like the dynamic duo of Hazard and Somerset, although sometimes their treatment of each other made me uncomfortable. But then, life isn’t all chocolates and roses.
Finally, I’ll mention Tristan James. I love his narration style and he nails the two men as well as the myriad of other characters in the series. I look forward to moving on to the next review.
Everything Gregory Ashe writes is spectacular. That’s a fact.
However, I could do without the overly gruesome stuff.
Right when I thought the case was coming to a close, and when I thought there had been enough blood and death, then Ashe comes and layers it on even more. It was just too horrifying.
I’ve actually waited to start in on A Union of Swords because I needed a break after finishing the Hazard and Somerset series which I thought was almost too much to handle. Brilliant. But with descriptions of nauseating cruelty. And this story too made me almost sick in the end.
Maybe I’m just too soft for this series.
Apart from the the gore and hate, though, my only comment is that I think Hazard’s berserker tendencies are a bit overdone. And I don’t really think that those episodes fit with his personality, no matter the trauma he has suffered previously.
But otherwise, this is an awesome, amazing story that is expertly written.
Highly recommend!
Well I am still completely in love with this series and never want it to end. This had some pretty heavy stuff going on with Hazard not being a detective anymore…or having a job really, but toward the end we definitely saw some light on this front as well as with his relationship with Somers. They were a bit rocky and it was hard to read/feel what was happening between them. Also, the mystery was so good, and sooo sooo heartbreaking…gah I wanted a happy ending on that front, and there just was not really. I am glad some of the details were spared, but I think they will probably come out in the next book, as it was super intense and I am sure are going to leave a big mark on both Hazard and Somerset. Overall, this was an absolute pleasure to read. I cannot wait to continue their story. Tristan James on audio was amazing. Whenever I hear him now, it is always as Hazard and Somerset.
I enjoy every book in this series even more than the last. I really don’t know what to expect of each new installation. The mysteries are socially relevant and engaging.
Gregory is one of my favourite authors and he is yet to disappoint. Well written and complicated characters. I so love these guys. A great story