The meaning of family

There are so many father relationships in this book – each unique. Let’s start with Hazard and his foster son Colt. Hazard believed he had a good grasp on the relationship – tenuous as it has always been. But when Colt’s biological father contacts him, and he goes to see the old man, Hazard is triggered. He fears losing Colt. He doesn’t react well to that.

The two murder victims are also fathers. But they certainly aren’t Father of the Year material. And the list of people who want them dead is pretty long. Except they’re on opposite sides of the gun debate. Even as I type this, I’m aware of the tragedy unfolding in Texas. And there’ll be another incident next week. And another. Maybe not as horrible as this, but they’ll keep happening. My heart breaks over that, which made the topic in this book all the more urgent.

Turns out the two murder victims weren’t beloved to virtually anyone – and they aren’t even missed that much. Except Somerset and Hazard are determined to solve the mystery – another good one, I have to say.

Oh, and let me not forget the cameo of my two favorite crime-solving sleuths – North and Shaw. In a book with such serious topics, I loved that I could immerse myself in these two and laugh my butt off. Seriously! It’s hard to be serious with these two around and I loved seeing them from Hazard and Somerset’s perspective. I’m hopeful there’s another N&S book coming soon.

Everything works out – the men solve the crime, Colt’s situation is resolved, and it looks like those who did wrong will be punished. It’ll be interesting if there are more books to come – I never get bored of them.

Quick nod to the wonderful Tristan James. He delivered another stellar performance and I enjoyed every minute of it.

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The love of a parent

Once again we have the wonderful writing of Gregory Ashe and the narration of Tristan James to add another dimension to this important addition to the series.

Parental love in all its forms are in display here. Fom balancing your fears and dreams for child but not stifling them in an overprotective cocoon that does not allow for their own personal development including original thought; or only being able to show affection when in the glory of your child's achievements they make you shine as well. We see this in Colt struggling with still requiring the approval of his natural father but also with the guilt of wanting the love and approval of Hazard. As well as in the central crime story, where yes there is greed and hate for others different from ourselves but also anger at past experiences of being parented and guilt of parenting

A complex story which I did not hurry as there were a number of themes to digest before going on to appreciate what the next chapter would bring. I love the ongoing development of Hazard and Somerset's relationship, (as for all of us a relationship is a work in progress), Hazard bringing people into his circle despite himself, and Somerset learning new things about people management everyday. Ashe as always manages to combined the mundanity of everyday life with an action packed crime story which at times makes you unsure as to where your sympathies lay. All of this includes some time spent with another of my favourite duo created by Ashe but I will leave you to find out who. Lastly, I must say that I adore Hazard's mother.

The book does not leave you on a cliffhanger but you can feel there is more to come and I have book five in the series on preorder.

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I Love It

The fourth book in the Arrows in the Hand series (the third Hazard and Somerset series arc), Father Complex once again showed me why Gregory Ashe is one of my favorite authors. A quick note - this series MUST be read in order, starting with the very first series arc.

Hazard is a hard man. A difficult man. He’s a man with a temper. And he’s a man that loves with his entire being. Nobody knows that better than John Henry. Hazards reactions can be hard on the reader - especially when all I want to do is to tell him to calm down. But there’s so much emotional damage Hazard is dealing with that “calming down” is never really an option. Yet, even when I’m despairing for these two and their relationship, Ashe is always able to get me through that rough patch and show just how deeply Hazard and Somerset love. There is no obstacle they can’t overcome in the end.

The plot of Father Complex is full of the standard action, suspense, and intriguing mystery that I now expect from Hazard and Somerset. I love the appearance of Shaw and North (another favorite couple) and the banter between them all. There is humor, snark, and shenanigans mixed in with all the action and angst. I absolutely adored this book.

The audiobook was narrated by Tristan James who does a fabulous job. I’m utterly in love with Tristan’s portrayal of Hazard and Somerset. He hits the right notes with both characters and really brings to life their depth and complexity. The audiobook production was well done and made for a wonderful listening experience.

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Enjoyable Story

A well written story with and interesting  concept.  The characters are likeable and the narration is very good.

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