Codirection

Without a Compass, Book 4

By: Gregory Ashe

Narrated by: Charlie David

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

They killed a girl to keep their secrets. They won’t stop there.

A new home, a fresh start, a chance to do things right this time - and Shaw and North are determined to make it work. But the night of their housewarming party, things don’t go as planned. A reporter arrives, wanting to talk to North about his ex-husband, his father, and a criminal syndicate. No sooner have they gotten rid of her than another unwanted guest appears: a street boy named Nik, whom Shaw met months before, begging them to help him find his missing friend, Malorie.

Retracing Malorie’s steps, North and Shaw learn about the dangerous demimonde of runaway teenagers. Their investigation takes them into the path of men and women who have learned to profit off the suffering and abandonment of children: shelters, clinics, labor brokers, and pimps.

Meanwhile, North’s Uncle Ronnie is set on revenge, and his target this time is North’s father. As North struggles to track down Ronnie and put an end to the danger, he finds himself considering a deal with the devil, and the offer might be too good to pass up.

When North and Shaw find Malorie’s body, evidence suggests she was murdered - and that her death is connected in some way with a truck stop halfway across the state. But as they draw closer to the truth, the danger grows. The people who killed Malorie have the Borealis detectives in their sights, and North and Shaw must race to save their own lives before the killers can strike again.

©2021 Gregory Ashe (P)2022 Gregory Ashe

Love the character growth and interesting mystery

There was a lot of action at the end of the last book, Redirection. It had me on the edge of my seat and I could almost feel my own adrenaline pumping along with the characters. There was also a reunion for North and Shaw. Sure they still saw each other at work and were acting like friends with benefits, but their romance, their emotional relationship was repaired and I thought, “Well at least they have each other, now.” I knew they were going to need each other after the threats that came from “Uncle” Ronnie and the damage Tucker did to them.

Snarking at each other and exaggerating/making up faults that the other has is the usual for North and Shaw. Even though their relationship is back on track, this doesn’t change, but I felt a solidness between them that was new. Maybe I was imagining it after what they had been through, but I don’t see them breaking up again. They don’t seem to be hurting each other as much, knowing what is an appropriate joke or not. The title of the book Codirection, direction by two or more people working together, is so fitting for the two of them, since they seem to be more in sync than ever.

On to the mystery… When a teen boy asks North and Shaw to find a friend of his that went missing, Shaw wants to help him, and North reluctantly gets pulled along. Nik and his friend, Malorie, are teenagers living on the street, who often see each other at the same shelter. Malorie left to go to a doctors appointment and never came back. What unfolds is a very sad picture of teenage homelessness. There are several people who seem capable of having something to do with Malorie’s absence. Even the ones not involved are guilty of having taken advantage of the teens in need. It is disgusting and sad, and slightly confusing. I wasn’t completely lost, but there was so much uncertainty I couldn’t guess who the real culprit was, and I don’t know if North and Shaw did until own lives were in danger.

Not to fear, the people responsible for her disappearance and murder are exposed and North and Shaw make it through unscathed. There are also a many number of problems they are dealing with in the aftermath of the last book, so it doesn’t seem like they really have time to relax. North’s ex, Tucker is still causing trouble, even from his jail cell. North’s fatally ill dad is arrested and attacked in jail, and the person behind it seems to be his dad’s old friend Ronnie. Ronnie has been a problem throughout this spin-off series and North can no longer let him keep threatening his and Shaw’s safety as well as the safety of his dad. A threatening meeting ends in a way that no one will suspect.

I can’t reveal anything else, but this story is definitely worth reading, or listening to. Charlie David does a great job voicing these characters. I feel like he embodies them so well, especially Shaw. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, I do recommend starting from the beginning, the mysteries are individual to the book, but the relationship drama needs to be experienced in order. Bonus: If you are a fan of the author’s other series featuring Hazard and Somerset, there is an exciting cameo as well.

Great story. Good narration.

Phew. This was another action-packed adventure for North and Shaw. As usual Gregory Ashe does an amazing job of incorporating some real world issues into a suspenseful mystery. A dash of education mixed in with some entertainment makes difficult realities easier to absorb. Tossed into the lesson is a puzzle to solve. I think I know how the mystery will play out, but even when I get close, there is still a surprise or two.

The evolving relationship between North and Shaw is as engaging as the mystery. The personal moments between the two of them feel very real. This was a great resolution to this series, but I do hope for more. I am also growing attached to Charlie David's narration. I am finding his peculiar word pronunciations strangely endearing.

Fantastic conclusion to this story arc!

This book ends in a bit of a shocker and I don't understand why we're all not talking about it??? I wouldn't necessarily say I'm TOO surprised, but what does this mean for the future of this series and the characters??? More on this later.

I thought this was a great story arc ending. There's obviously more books to come with North and Shaw, but this book is action-packed (as expected for a Gregory Ashe book) and it kept me on my toes.

Content notes include PTSD, misgendering a character (characters are corrected almost immediately), death of a pregnant girl, mentions of drug use, mentions of a cat being killed, homomisia, human trafficking, police brutality, dirty cops, mentions of underage/child pornography, murder, a parent being hospitalized for heart attacks, and a parent with cancer.

This book starts off innocently enough. There's a party at North and Shaw's new home together and everything is FINE. Until, that is, a reporter wants to talk to North about Tucker and about the allegations that Uncle Ronnie (who isn't really North's uncle) and North's father maybe had a hand in influencing the jury presiding over North's case a few years ago.

As if that wasn't enough of a downer for the night, Nik arrives at their home. We actually first met him in passing in the first book of this story arc, Indirection, and then we just didn't see him again until now. Shaw met the kid working a corner on the streets, and Nik had been new at that sort of thing back then. But by the time he arrives at North and Shaw's doorstep in this book, he's currently lived a lot since and he's no longer the fresh faced, innocent kid. He only winds up going to North and Shaw in the first place because he's desperate to find his friend, Malorie.

These kids are essentially living on the street and the thing is, the adults around them (if there are any) don't care about missing kids like that. The only one looking out for them are themselves, or if they have good friends like Nik who is concerned for Malorie. This starts North and Shaw looking for Nik's friend even though they barely know Nik at all and they know they're not going to get paid for it. There's a lot going on with this book just surrounding this case, North's dad, and Ronnie - who is a pain in everyone's side. Despite the antics between North and Shaw to keep the mood light, they have a lot to work out between them and this book does go into some pretty dark places.

BUT. Here to break the tension is an appearance of my fave - Emery Hazard, private investigator coming to St. Louis from Wahredua for the case he's working. I don't think you need to have read the Hazard and Somerset books before reading the Borealis books, but the interactions between the characters is certainly more enjoyable if you know them. And, just an observation, I don't think it's quite as obviously or noticeable in the Hazard and Somerset books since the books are from Hazard's perspective and his love interest, Somers...but seeing Hazard from North and Shaw's perspective makes me think that maybe Hazard is autistic? That's just my observation seeing Hazard from an outside perspective, but I could be wrong. Anyways, I love how Hazard accidentally always winds up getting caught up in North and Shaw's banter and it's just really funny how Shaw ropes Hazard into being their friend despite Hazard refusing to believe it.

So, the audiobook. The audiobook narration just hasn't been my favorite, and it's even more pronounced here because Hazard shows up. Charlie David's Hazard voice is not the same as Tristan James's (who does the Hazard and Somerset books) performance at all. But Charlie David finally figures out how to say Wahredua in this book, so there's that at least. My one thing about this audiobook that maybe no one else would care about unless you're into luxury bags like I am, is that Charlie David has no idea how to say Hermès, as in the luxury bag brand? He pronounces it like you would say the Greek god and how Master Hermes has been pronounced this whole time. It's just so wrong. I swear this narrator does zero research on how anything is pronounced before starting his recordings. The book even mentions that they're talking about the Birkin in Shaw's earlier POV chapter (and it was fun to see the scene play out from North's POV after because he had no idea the bag was a Birkin).

Of course the whole thing about the Birkin in this book was also so odd because the text says a character pulls the Birkin up over their shoulder, which is impossible unless you have child arms because the Birkin is famously a bag that is not practical at all and all you can do is pull it up to the crook of your arm (unless the character had a JPG Birkin where you could but it doesn't sound like that's the bag this character had). Also, the part about cutting up a Birkin? I just find that very difficult to believe, not because it's impossible, but just because it can't be that easy to cut up the lining in those bags like it was stated in the book. Anyways, this is a clue that I have watched too many people's Hermès journey stories (where they detail their success or failures literally begging Hermès employees for a Birkin or Kelly), so I thought I'd point all that out since I have all this useless info in my head anyways.

And back to the rest of the book...

Is Tucker gone for good? His presence lingers in this book even though he technically never shows his face. I don't think we've seen the last of him. Unfortunately.

I was worried about North's dad in this book. He's not in the best of health. He has cancer. Being accused of jury tampering in his old age and weakened health isn't good for the man. We've seen the cancer story play out with Hazard and his father in the other series, so I was concerned for North's dad here, even though I don't really like him. His dad is not a kind man. He was abusive to North almost all his life, but North still loves him, you know? It's a very messy family relationship, and a relationship that we see has affected North and how he viewed relationships which is why he was with Tucker for so long. For North's sake, I was worried about what would happen with his dad's health in this book.

Then there's Ronnie. How North's dad and Ronnie even know each other hasn't been answered thus far, unless I've missed it. Ronnie has been a thorn in North and Shaw's side since the first time we've met the man in this series. He's awful and only gotten worse now that he's been backed into a corner and is feeling particularly vengeful against North and Shaw. He gets what he deserves in this book.

We do get to see North and Shaw's relationship build in this book, and you can see between their banter how much they care for one another and how much they have to work out still. Therapy is definitely needed. For both of them, and from a real professional. What [redacted] does at the end of this book is going to cause some real conflict in the following books between the two of them, because I just see this coming back to bite them in the butt. Like, jail time serious. LIKE THIS SERIES ISN'T ANGSTY ENOUGH? But what that character does to [redacted] is so deserved, I can't even be angry about HOW it happens because 1) I was shocked but feeling like I SHOULDN'T be shocked, and 2) it's just a sigh of relief that it's been taken care of.

Anyways...we also meet a crime boss in this book so I'm interested to see where that will take the story. I'm also interested in North and Shaw's newest employee (besides Pari and Truck) called Zion who seems to be hitting it off with Jadon. We know nothing about Zion besides the fact that he keeps to himself but has contacts with people normal folks wouldn't have contacts with? Is Zion related somehow to the crime boss in this book? But that's just me throwing out a random theory with nothing to support my wild musings. I'm interested to see how that plays out and if Jadon will get a good love interest who will make him happy.

This was a really solid book. I love North and Shaw, and I loved the cameo from Hazard. I look forward to more more North and Shaw books in the future!

Another great installment

This is book 4 of the Borealis: Without a Compass Series. We pick up, after the last traumatic experience in Book 3, with a backyard BBQ. Shaw and North have purchased a house together and are having neighbors and friends over to celebrate. However, the picture of domestic bliss is soon disrupted and ultimately, we see, a façade. The couple is STILL struggling to understand each other’s wants and needs. Add to that, an annoying young man that barges into their life, and home, to ask for help finding a missing friend. We met Nik in a previous book and I don’t think we have seen the last of him as he still has some wrongs that no doubt Shaw will want to right.

I’ll be honest, this book kind of annoyed me. I always get annoyed when the guys do stupid things; and IMHO they do a lot of them in this book. I think the guys are heading for very rough waters. Also I was annoyed that Tucker didn’t get his comeuppance in this one. I’m sure (hope!) it’s coming, but he is not really present in this story. We also get a cameo from Hazard, Shaw’s best, best friend. I love seeing Hazard but couldn’t get use to Charlie David’s voice for him when I’m use to Tristan James. It was just weird.

The murder/mystery is another disturbing one involving homeless teens. I actually did figure out one of the bad guys early on. But as usual, not the “big picture” which was way more involved. Shaw really flexes in this story. We see a side of Shaw that we have only seen glimpses of in previous books. I think the trauma of his attack in college has left a mark on him that he has compartmentalize and brings out when necessary. It could also be some Master Hermes mojo. I was really shocked when it came out at the end and suspect the blowback will be fierce. Also, we see that North is really the “softie” of the pair, despite appearances.

Charlie David put in another masterful performance. And three cheers for the extra effort he put in the pronunciation of Wahredua!! Bravo!

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review

Most frustrating couple ever!

I can’t think of two characters in the Ashe-verse (possibly the actual universe), besides Emery Hazard at times, who frustrate me more than North and/or Shaw. Every book it’s like stumbling from cute, playful arguments to endless amounts of irrational behaviors and actions. And increasingly, I find myself not at all following how they survived each day, let alone solved the case! Why do they never learn and change even a little??

Always Want More!

Gregory badge is one of my favorite authors. He writes complex plots and nuanced characters and this book is no exception. The mystery, with its many threads, is intriguing and kept me listening. Watching, well listening to, Shaw and North on the case is compelling and I love the thought tangents they sometimes go on. I am invested in Shaw and North and so it was hard to see the family dynamic that's developing for North in particular. I keep having to remind myself Nick is a kid still and needs to be given a little slack but gah! he did frustrate me. Still, as with any great story, I was thoroughly engaged. Charlie David does a great job narrating this series and I've enjoyed each audio in this series.

Definitely need more!

This one left me wanting more North and Shaw. I loved the mystery as always!! The narrator was also great!

Good book but Can someone please slap the crap of of Shaw and Nick

I liked the case and story in this book. Its got lots of twisty turns, and in classic Ashe fashion multiple problems all needing to be solved at once. When they are working Shaw and North are always entertaining. I find myself rewinding to hear their funny tangent commentaries because is just so ridiculous sometimes. How Ashe can come up with some of this dialog i will never know but it keeps me laughing. We really see some of their ingenuity and growth from previous dangerous encounters. Especially Shaw. In a few dangerous situations he really steps it up and it was so proud to see North could rely on him in those moments. As always the narrator does a great job! I listened to it all in one day!

Ok now i just need ti rant real quick, if you wanna skip this part thats ok. Might have slight/unspecific spoilers. Idk, i havent written it yet. *deep breath in*

At every turn i grew angrier at Shaw’s behavior at home. To be honest i really hoped he would get over his spoiled behavior and actually THINK of what North wants, and DO what North asks of him. It’s the complete unchecked narcissism for me! And The worst part is, North doesn’t even call him on it. He just lets it happen over and over and then storms off without saying what Shaw is doing is f***ed up! Shaw is toxic as hell and pushes what i consider the lines of DubCon if I’m totally honest.
Then theres Nick:
Now look, i dont like how Ashe writes his mc teens. Its clear he isn’t a fan and that fine cause honestly, same here my guy. But Nick and the house dynamic is a cookie cutter repeat of Colt from the H&S: Arrows in the Hand series. Like..not every gay couple gets kids by sudo-adopting gay, angsty, homeless, teens with attitude problems. Thats to specific to be so copy/paste! Also, Its just not realistic to me for Shaw to stand by and support some rando kid getting aggressive with North. At least Hazard stands up for Somerset. Anyway…
Nick blows in like he think the sun shines out his and Shaws asses. Somehow gets this crazy delusion that he loves Shaw and does nothing but disrespect North at every turn. And whats Shaw do…? NOTHING! He encourages his rude behavior towards North for literally no reason. We never get one satisfactory explanation for why Nick is allowed to talk that way to North. But i would never let a stranger, let alone a friend/client/dependent treat my partner the way Shaw lets Nick treat North. Kid or not he can GTFO!

Anywho, thanks Ashe for another installment in this series i love! I only rant cause i am way to emotionally invested in your characters for my own mental health!

Definitely worth a listen

I continue to struggle with North and Shaw. Especially Shaw. It's hard for me to tell what parts of his OTT-ness are put on and what parts are real. Nevertheless, after all the trauma North and Shaw inflicted on each other throughout this series, it was nice to read a book where they're... not happy, but largely functional together? Still broken, but trying to heal (and making progress). The mystery aspects of the story were, as usual, less important to me than the relationship ones. I felt that the big bad (Ronnie, et al.) ended up being resolved a bit too easily—though I did like the resolution. A LOT. Overall, I give this a solid 4 to 4.5 stars. Greg Ashe is always worth reading (and I thank him for a complimentary copy of this audiobook).

Without a Compass indeed

This is the perfect example of another great story by Gregory Ashe. Some of those qualities include - a great mystery, a convoluted relationship, and a story that keeps you on your toes. These are all true here. Although I enjoyed the mystery in this story, I especially enjoyed the relationship part. Shaw is just a mess, and his craziness continues in this story. Him and North continue to have a wealth of head banging issues, but this is a nice wrap up in this storyline. I should also call out that there is a wealth of side characters that add to the story. Some new and some old friends that help the flow of the story along.
Charlie David did an amazing job on the narration. His narration of the neurotic Shaw is just amazing. I've really enjoyed listening to this series and can see myself coming back to it again.