Criminal Past

Hazard and Somerset, Book 6

De: Gregory Ashe

Narrado por: Tristan James

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.

©2018 Gregory Ashe (P)2019 Gregory Ashe

Enjoying the series

Enjoyed the series but was disappointed in the characters’ actions in the final big drawn out scene. The characters are too smart to have made the crucial mistakes. The guns or rifles got away from their hands too many times. Mikey became like a super hero while Somers and Hazard weakened. Still a good read.

Love these two

This series is t to be best I’ve read since the series “the end” by Gregory Ashe as well. Very slow romance and that’s my only piece of contention. I’d love to see these two more in love ,showing their love physically. Narrator is good but if it were JF Harding narrating this would be a perfect 5. Gregory Ashe is a very talented man. Onto next books. But please use Jf Harding. He doesn’t sound like a 60 yo man.

Good enough

Beginning note: I will eventually read the next series of Hazard and Somerset.

However, this latest book was a little too long and I got bored hearing the same things over and over again. And the same character building over and over again. It felt as though throughout the middle and end of book that Mr. Ashe was still character building, detailing mannerisms, memories and quirks that had already been explained and experienced very well. Example: I got tired of hearing what Hazard's wrist meant to Somerset. It was explained through memories several times, then it was explained and then it was explained in present tense. And I don't mean a paragraph or two each time but minutes and minutes of narration. I was grateful toward the end to just hear the words "he touched Hazard's wrist" and have the author accept that we readers knew the subtext. And this happened over and over with different subjects and characteristics.

Perhaps it was because I had relistened to all prior books (over a month or so) and then delved into this one that I wanted it to just end so I would know the mystery. I plan on putting the series down for six months or better before going forward.

BIG NOTE: Tristan James is one of my favorite narrators and he didn't disappoint on this book. He is 50% of the reason I will continue to read the series.

Jeff Langham

Of all of Gregory Ashe’s characters, I think that Jeff Langham has the most moving and tragic fate. Really sticks with you.

Really good book

This series is so addictive because you just want to know what happens next. I started the series before Covid and had to stop reading/listening because they are so intense. I knew I was coming out of the anxiety caused by 2020/2021 when I was ready to read more about Somerset and Hazard. Ashe is a very good writer. Start with the first in the series and dive in! I also like Tristan James a lot and enjoyed his narration.

Love these guys

This was extremely satisfying. The first few in the series didn’t do a whole lot for me, but I wanted to be here for these two guys. This one definitely delivered great mystery, great side characters, and of course I loved the development of the relationship between Hazard and Somerset. Also love that they come off extremely human. Excited to move onto the next this series is what convinced me to hold onto my subscription. I was right on the brink of canceling.

I didn't want it to end...

Knowing this would possibly be the final book for Hazard & Somers, I was dreading the end. The guys are really tested personally & professionally as secrets from the past come to light. Not for the first time, I found myself wondering why either man wants to even to live in that helltown. Anyway, I feel like this book ties up some loose ends and answer some questions I had about events and people from their past. It's hard to talk about without spoiling, so I'll just say there are awful characters who get what they deserve and some surprising revelations. I can't decide if this one is actually a little more violent than the previous books or if it just seems that way because so much of it is aimed at H&S this time (the fingernails! omg!). Although I can't say I'm happy that the series is over, I am happy with the ending itself. Hazard's vision for their future was sweet and hopeful and I'm just hoping the author will give us a 5 years later epilogue or something one day.

Tristan James does an amazing job as usual. I don't always love the voices he chooses to give side characters, but it doesn't take away from my listening enjoyment or anything. I do love how consistent he is throughout the entire series with his voices for Hazard & Somers. this book is almost 19 hours long and I didn't get bored or tired of hearing his voice so obviously I have to give 5 stars for narration.

Really Good...

I am new to this author and I must say I am a fan. The story was wonderful and I have no issues with long audio books but there were many parts that dragged on and on. With that being said, it’s an audiobook so I just ff through the parts I considered to be excess. Overall it was wonderful and I will continue to support!

Great story. Great narration.

This book was brutal. The author doesn't hold back on the gruesome details and the narration is equally brutal. The story was excellent. This is a must read for anyone who has started the series. So many questions are answered.

Twists and Turns

This is the best book in the series (so far). Gregory has woven an intricately twisted story of Hazard and Somerset’s past and present. There were so many moments where I found myself holding my breathe with anticipation. Gregory has outdone himself on this one!

Amazing work by Tristan James with this narration. He beautifully captures Hazard and Somerset’s love. He is also a genius with banter!

Listen to this book. Listen to the whole series. You will not be disappointed!