Listen free for 30 days
-
Police Brutality
- Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords, Book 2
- Narrated by: Tristan James
- Series: Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords, Book 2
- Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins
- Categories: LGBTQ+, Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
People who bought this also bought...
-
The Rational Faculty
- Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords, Book 1
- By: Gregory Ashe
- Narrated by: Tristan James
- Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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. Somers is assigned the case and a new partner. While Somers investigates the murder, Hazard struggles to find purpose in his new freedom.
-
-
Almost perfect performance
- By Becky on 27-01-20
-
Enemies of the State
- Executive Office Series, Book 1
- By: Tal Bauer
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Newly elected President Jack Spiers's presidency is rocked from the very beginning, and he's working furiously to keep the world from falling apart. Special Agent Ethan Reichenbach is running the presidential detail, which puts him side by side with Jack daily. He's expecting another stuffed suit, but Jack shocks him with his humor and humanity. There are rules against a Secret Service agent and one of their protectees developing a friendship - big rules. Besides, Jack is straight as a ruler, and a widower, and Ethan has always avoided falling for straight men.
-
-
Brilliant book
- By Book addict on 25-05-20
-
Orientation
- A Borealis Investigations, Book 1
- By: Gregory Ashe
- Narrated by: Charlie David
- Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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. 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.
-
-
Possibly the worst 'Investigators' I've ever heard
- By Mary on 11-01-20
-
Pretty Pretty Boys
- Hazard and Somerset Mystery Series, Book 1
- By: Gregory Ashe
- Narrated by: Tristan James
- Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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. 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.
-
-
great story, great narration
- By Mary on 19-09-18
-
Oz
- Finding Home, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it. However, when he gets there, he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met.
-
-
I spent ages not wanting to listen, but......
- By Antony Jones on 31-05-20
-
A Ferry of Bones & Gold
- Soulbound, Book 1
- By: Hailey Turner
- Narrated by: Gary Furlong
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When the gods come calling, you don’t get to say no. Patrick Collins is three years into a career as a special agent for the Supernatural Operations Agency when the gods come calling to collect a soul debt he owes them. An immortal has gone missing in New York City and bodies are showing up in the wake of demon-led ritual killings that Patrick recognizes all too easily from his nightmares.
-
-
Clunky and needs editing - has promise though
- By Book addict on 12-05-19
-
The Rational Faculty
- Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords, Book 1
- By: Gregory Ashe
- Narrated by: Tristan James
- Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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. Somers is assigned the case and a new partner. While Somers investigates the murder, Hazard struggles to find purpose in his new freedom.
-
-
Almost perfect performance
- By Becky on 27-01-20
-
Enemies of the State
- Executive Office Series, Book 1
- By: Tal Bauer
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Newly elected President Jack Spiers's presidency is rocked from the very beginning, and he's working furiously to keep the world from falling apart. Special Agent Ethan Reichenbach is running the presidential detail, which puts him side by side with Jack daily. He's expecting another stuffed suit, but Jack shocks him with his humor and humanity. There are rules against a Secret Service agent and one of their protectees developing a friendship - big rules. Besides, Jack is straight as a ruler, and a widower, and Ethan has always avoided falling for straight men.
-
-
Brilliant book
- By Book addict on 25-05-20
-
Orientation
- A Borealis Investigations, Book 1
- By: Gregory Ashe
- Narrated by: Charlie David
- Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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. 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.
-
-
Possibly the worst 'Investigators' I've ever heard
- By Mary on 11-01-20
-
Pretty Pretty Boys
- Hazard and Somerset Mystery Series, Book 1
- By: Gregory Ashe
- Narrated by: Tristan James
- Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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. 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.
-
-
great story, great narration
- By Mary on 19-09-18
-
Oz
- Finding Home, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it. However, when he gets there, he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met.
-
-
I spent ages not wanting to listen, but......
- By Antony Jones on 31-05-20
-
A Ferry of Bones & Gold
- Soulbound, Book 1
- By: Hailey Turner
- Narrated by: Gary Furlong
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When the gods come calling, you don’t get to say no. Patrick Collins is three years into a career as a special agent for the Supernatural Operations Agency when the gods come calling to collect a soul debt he owes them. An immortal has gone missing in New York City and bodies are showing up in the wake of demon-led ritual killings that Patrick recognizes all too easily from his nightmares.
-
-
Clunky and needs editing - has promise though
- By Book addict on 12-05-19
-
Boyfriend Material
- By: Alexis Hall
- Narrated by: Joe Jameson
- Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Luc O'Donnell is tangentially - and reluctantly - famous. His rock-star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next 20 years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything. To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and someone who has never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. He’s perfect boyfriend material.
-
-
Very enjoyable
- By Clive on 04-08-20
-
Ground Zero
- Zero Hour, Book 1
- By: Aimee Nicole Walker
- Narrated by: Tristan James
- Length: 10 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Heat, humidity, and homicide are things veteran Detective Sawyer Key expects to encounter on his first day with the Savannah Police Department, but the hostile reception from his new partner catches him by surprise. Sawyer isn't a stranger to heartache and recognizes that Royce Locke is a wounded man who's reeling from a devastating loss. Relentless and patient in all things, Sawyer is determined to make the new partnership work.
-
-
Southern Charm, Heat & Homicide
- By Pixiebell on 17-04-20
-
Blue on Blue
- By: Dal MacLean
- Narrated by: Gary Furlong
- Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After three years working as a private investigator, newly reinstated Detective Inspector Will Foster still holds himself responsible for the death of an officer under his command. But he's returned to the Met bent on redeeming himself and that means bringing down gangland boss Joey Clarkson. Will's prepared to put in long hours and make sacrifices for his work, even if it comes at a cost to his nascent romance with international model, Tom Gray. After all, Tom has a history of wandering but crime is a constant in London. And Will has committed himself to the Met.
-
-
Best of Dal MacLean & Gary Furlong
- By Danny on 27-09-20
-
Tallowwood
- By: N. R. Walker
- Narrated by: Antony Ferguson
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sydney Detective August Shaw has spent the last decade of work solving cold cases. His work is his entire life, and he's convinced a string of unsolved cold-case suicides are linked to what could be Australia's worst ever serial killer. Problem is, no one believes him. Senior Constable Jacob Porter loves his life in the small town of Tallowwood in northern New South Wales. When human remains are found in the camping grounds at Tallowwood Reserve, Jake's new case turns out to be linked to August's cold cases, and Jake agrees they're not suicides at all.
-
-
OMG!
- By Aussiebumwearer on 23-08-20
-
Nothing Special Series Box Set, Books 1-5
- By: A.E. Via
- Narrated by: Aiden Snow
- Length: 51 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A bundle of the award-winning Nothing Special series by internationally best-selling author A. E. Via.
-
-
Awesomeness personified
- By AL on 19-11-20
-
Wolfsong
- By: TJ Klune
- Narrated by: Kirt Graves
- Length: 18 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ox was 23 when murder came to town and tore a hole in his head and heart. The boy chased after the monster with revenge in his blood red eyes, leaving Ox behind to pick up the pieces. It's been three years since that fateful day and the boy is back. Except now he's a man, and Ox can no longer ignore the song that howls between them.
-
-
Completely epic and awesome!
- By Becky L on 26-10-16
-
The Mystery of Nevermore
- Snow & Winter
- By: C. S. Poe
- Narrated by: Derrick McClain
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It’s Christmas in New York City, and all antique shop owner Sebastian Snow wants is for his business to make money and to save his floundering relationship with closeted CSU detective, Neil Millett. But when Snow’s Antique Emporium is broken into and a heart is found under the floorboards, Sebastian can’t let the mystery rest. He soon finds himself caught up in murder investigations that echo the macabre writings of Edgar Allan Poe. To make matters worse, Sebastian’s sleuthing is causing his relationship with Neil to crumble....
-
-
Good story
- By Kindle Fairy on 28-07-17
-
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings
- A Black and Blue Novel, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Levi Black is at a crossroads. After suffering a loss and breaking up a long-term relationship, he’s looking for a change. When he receives the news he’s inherited a house in York, he seizes the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life. However, when he gets there, he finds a house that has never kept its occupants for very long. Either through death or disinclination, no one stays there, and after a few days of living in the place, Levi can understand why.
-
-
Highly recommended
- By Loulou on 14-01-21
-
The Last Sun
- By: K. D. Edwards
- Narrated by: Josh Hurley
- Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rune Saint John, the last child of the fallen Sun Court, is hired to search for Lady Judgment's missing son, Addam, on New Atlantis, the island city where the Atlanteans moved after ordinary humans destroyed their original home. With his companion and bodyguard, Brand, he questions Addam's relatives and business contacts through the highest ranks of the nobles of New Atlantis. But as they investigate, they uncover more than a missing man: a legendary creature connected to the secret of the massacre of Rune's Court.
-
-
Fantastic listen in both story and voice.
- By Naruj on 10-09-18
-
Pressure Head
- The Plumber's Mate, Book 1
- By: JL Merrow
- Narrated by: Phillip Humphries
- Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Some things are better left hidden.... Tom Paretski’s not just a plumber with a dodgy hip courtesy of a schoolboy accident. He also has a sixth sense for finding hidden things. Called in by the police to help locate a body near Brock’s Hollow, he’s staggered to encounter Phil Morrison, his old school crush - and the closeted bully whose actions contributed to Tom’s accident. Phil’s all grown up now, and Tom’s unwilling attraction to him is back with a vengeance.
-
-
Interesting premise that wasn't used much
- By elly gausden on 13-11-20
-
Bitter Legacy
- By: Dal MacLean
- Narrated by: Gary Furlong
- Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Detective Sergeant James Henderson's remarkable gut instincts have put him on a three-year fast track to becoming an inspector. But the advancement of his career has come at a cost. Gay, posh and eager to prove himself in the Metropolitan Police, James has allowed himself few chances for romance. But when the murder of barrister Maria Curzon-Whyte lands in his lap, all that changes. His investigation leads him to a circle of irresistibly charming men. And though he knows better, James finds himself enticed into their company.
-
-
Mesmerised with the emotional reality.
- By philip bonehill on 29-09-20
-
How to Vex a Vampire
- VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part. What’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner - an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it. Marcus - or, as I like to call him: Fangy McFangface - would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words, and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Meg on 17-05-20
Summary
For the first time in a long while, Emery Hazard’s life is good. His new business as a private detective is taking off. Things are good at home. He loves his boyfriend, John-Henry Somerset; he loves their daughter. He might even love the new friends they’ve found. There’s only one problem: Somers has been talking about marriage.
When a former colleague, Walter Hoffmeister, comes to Hazard and hires him to look into a series of anonymous death threats, Hazard eagerly jumps on the distraction. Hoffmeister might be a jerk, but he’s a paying jerk, and Hazard isn’t convinced the threats are serious.
Until, that is, Hoffmeister is almost gunned down on Hazard’s doorstep. As Hazard investigates more deeply, he learns that more than one person in Wahredua has a reason to wish Hoffmeister dead. His search takes him to the Ozark Volunteers, reincarnated as the Bright Lights movement, but it also leads him into a sanctuary of radical Christianity. Meanwhile, an antifa activist has arrived in town, calling for Hoffmeister’s death and threatening total war with the Bright Lights.
As Hazard continues to look for answers, he becomes a target, too - and not just because he’s helping Hoffmeister. The Keeper of Bees is still at large, and the killer hasn’t lost interest in Emery Hazard. Not yet. Not, Hazard begins to suspect, until the Keeper has taken everything Hazard holds dear.
More from the same
What listeners say about Police Brutality
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 29-10-20
brilliant
absolutely love this series. can't wait for the next installment. Narrator has got Hazard and Somerset perfect.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs. E. J. Curtis
- 12-07-20
Good story
The concept is interesting and well written. The characters are likeable and the narration is good.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- WallE
- 06-06-20
When the going get tough
I received this audiobook as an advanced listener and listened to it simultaneously with the purchased e-book. Tristan James' narration nails Gregory Ashe's writing every time. This spin off to to the original Hazard and Somerset series takes us to new heights as we continue to get to know Hazard and Somers and their crazy and sometimes scary hometown of Wahredua. We meet Hazard having to find a way to live with the fallout from his first private investigation in book one. We also have both Somers and Hazard continuing to learn what it takes to build their relationship at home when they are no longer partners at work. I would argue that the brutality in the title refers to both the brutality of this struggle and the brutality in the cases that they have to investigate. However, don't think this book is all harshness without any light as it contains some of my favourite romantic moments of any book that I have read. Once again Ashe brings new twists to a crime and thriller with Wharedua having its own particular spin on what man will do to man to get what he wants and the facades we put up when end up leading the lives that other expect of us, not the one that we wish to live. Unfortunately, the storyline is all too believable. Ashe also give you people you will like, that will irritate you and some that you would cross the road if you saw them coming. I love the way that neighbours Noah and Rebecca have taken Hazard and Somers under their wing, offering them unconditional friendship and support as they find themselves. Now Dulac, I never sure if I want to box his ears or spend the time that Somers does listening to his outpourings. Then we have the likes of Hoffmeister and Kelly, who fall into the cross the road if you see them coming category! All of these characters are so well drawn so that these emotions are generated within you.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- casrock
- 22-01-21
Hazard + Somerset: easiest read of series
Another amazing book in this wonderful series. This one makes you want to jump to the next right now!! Kind of like at the end of book 3 in the previous series. This one to me is the most stable and not so intense in what is happening. There are still things going on and mysteries to be solved. This one was just easier. At times I am not sure what to think of Somers’ new partner Dulac, but by the end of this one, I think he is great!! Also, Hazard and Somers’ relationship is kinda on the rocks a lot in this one but by the end I believe they have really found their footing in both their personal and professional lives. Another stellar performance by Tristan James on the narration. I cannot see what these men get up to next!!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- JAW
- 30-12-20
Love love love
I don't know where to begin I love this series I love the Arthur and I especially loved Tristan James for making this feel so real. this is a must-read series
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kindle Customer
- 06-09-20
Great Story
I loved this book just like all the rest of the series.I felt like I was in the same room, the interactions were realistic. Another great addition to the series
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Yvonne M
- 31-08-20
Wow 🤩
I loved this book! Once again you can really see the connection between the two main guys. The author did a great job with the story, he always has me wanting more.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ric
- 28-08-20
Great Story Good Series
Such interesting details good work. Sizziling. Great romance. Looking forward to more good stories Thanks.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Riva
- 29-06-20
Another winner
I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review. I love that this series has such complicated characters and multi levels of drama and intrigue. It has a great balance of mystery and romance. In this book Hazard’ latest client is a nightmare, racist, homophobe. But he needs help and Hazard steps up. I also love the way GA weaves in relevant social issues within the cast of characters; including a “holier than thou” trans pastor. This story is a rollercoaster ride and focuses more on the relationship than the first book in this series. It is of course woven around a mystery and I think some clues to the over arching mystery. But of course I can’t really tell because GA is a tricky guy. To say Hazard starts his new PI business with unresolved issues is an understatement. The events in the first series keep cropping up. He goes from treating Somerset like crap to confessing undying love; it gives me whiplash. Somerset wants more from the relationship, but Hazard is resistant for Hazard-like reasons. So of course Somerset does stupid things to push Hazard’s buttons. Like I said, a roller coaster. But in the end, I enjoyed the ride and the “surprise” ending that just makes me anxious for the next book, job well done! As a side note, before this book I hated Somerset’s new partner; he just isn’t right on so many levels. But he grows a little in this book and really made me laugh on several occasions. However, at this point I don’t trust GA not to spring some kind of surprise about him, so I’m keeping my eye on him. Part of my change of heart about Somerset’s partner is the masterful job Tristan James does in performing his character. He does a great job with all the guys, but he does particularly well with that guy. He gets all the inflections dead on. The conversation about “threesomes” and “foursomes” had me laughing out loud. He can just convey so much feeling through his voice that I just got wrapped up in the story. On to Book Three!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Michelle
- 24-06-20
Gets Better and Better
This series is so good and the audio makes it even better. Emery and John-Henry have their ups and downs and I'm invested every step of the way. As I've come to expect with this series, the mystery and suspense is very well done. And the overarching mystery across the books continues to tantalize as it slowly unfolds. Looking forward to the next audio!!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Lisa
- 20-06-20
These guys are going to kill me. Really.
4.5 stars. Intense. If I had to choose only one word to describe this series, it would be intense. It's everything. Every. Damn. Thing. Frustration, omg, the frustration. Love. Rage. Pain. Fear. Happiness. After the last case, Hazard and Somers are attempting to settle into their new normal. Except, of course, normal doesn't exist for them. Hazard is given his next PI case, hired by none other than Hoffmeister, who claims that someone is trying to kill him, while he's being sued for police brutality. As most things in Wahredua seem to do, Hazard's case seems to have the newly named Bright Lights movement lurking in the background, and he ends up working with Somers *and Dulac* in his role as police consultant. For the first time ever, Somers and Hazard do not work well together. Ree and John's personal issues get in the way of their professional relationship. But their personal relationship struggles too, mostly because they *coughcough* still have trouble talking to each other about their fears. And most of their fears have to do with one losing the other, in one way or another. All this comes out in the worst way, repeatedly. I wasn't sure who I wanted to smack upside the head the most this time, Emery or John. They both acted abominably, and at points I ground my teeth so hard it's a miracle I didn't crack one. For all that frustration, the tenderness and heat that's always between them is still meltingly present, as well as the humor and snark that I so love. As angry as they get at each other, the fact that they want to be together is never in doubt. Their chemistry is off the charts and watching their evolution together is irresistible, I can't look away. And I don't want to. Dulac. *glares* This little jerk didn't make it on my DIAF shelf but it was damn close and I'm pretty sure he's going to get there sooner than later. I'm not finding Dulac at all funny or good for anything other than taking up space. 😠 We'll see if that changes. The crime/mystery was really well done here and kept me guessing, I had no idea where it was going. The specter of the last case is hanging over everything though, and I was on edge all through the story, just waiting for it to come back. And when is somebody going to get Hazard some help? He needs it, before all of this chews him up. 😕 Ashe's writing continues to be just phenomenal. I can't think of any other author who can spin me in so many different directions at once, make me screamingly *literally* angry at my book-people, and make me love it at the same time. I seriously love these messy, annoying, wonderful men, and I want to see them get to be happy. They deserve it, so much. Bless Ree's nerdy heart. Did you know quarks and atomic spin can be romantic? 🥰 Tristan James did a great job with the narration here. I got so lost in the story I forgot that it wasn't Hazard and Somers talking and that's about the best compliment I can give him. I'm looking forward to the next, especially with that ending! Disclaimer: A copy of the Audio book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 1 like
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Karen Hardy
- 20-06-20
The first time I listened to an audio book...
written by Gregory Ashe was back in December of 2018...so not really that long ago and I admit I did it for two reasons...#1 some of my friends were reading or listening to his stories and saying some good things and #2 I discovered that Tristan James was the narrator and I've been a fan of his from the first audio book narrated by him that I ever listened to. I've enjoyed around 50 audio books narrated by Tristan James...that is if you only count each title once and not how many times I've listened to a particular audio book...which would mean that I've listened to a whole lot more. But the subject here is Gregory Ashe's 'Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords' series or to be more precise 'A Union of Swords' book #2 'Police Brutality'. Fans of this pairing will know that while this is only the second book in this series this is in fact the eighth novel featuring this couple...give or take a novella and/or story here and there. The important thing to take away here is that if you want to enjoy the full Hazard and Somerset experience you need to go back to the beginning...back to the original series and yes, it might seem daunting but it's so worth it. I was actually late to the party in discovering what a hidden gem these stories are but once I found out, I was all in. I gathered up the audio books and I marathoned my way through book after book loving every minute of them to the exclusion of all else. As a rule I'm a big fan of series that present a different set of MCs every book or even two...mostly because in the past I've found that my interest tends to lag as things begin to feel repetitive and so far that has not been the case at all with these stories. Not only has the criminal/investigative aspect of these stories varied in terms of the who, what, where, why and when but the relationship dynamics between Ellery and John-Henry has held a realism to it that's been to say the least kept my need to know 'where things are going for these two men?' Back in 'Pretty, Pretty Boys' we watched as Emery Hazard returned to his hometown to find himself partnered with John-Henry Somerset the bane of his existence when he was younger and as they go from antagonistic partners to cautious allies to friends and more in each successive story the reader gets to share in the emotional roller coaster ride as well as the dangers they face along the way. Even after all this time things are not perfect between Ellery and John-Henry and just like couples in the read world their relationship is a work in progress. It's not all sunshine and light with these two...sometimes it's hard and it's just not pretty. It was at the end of the first series that we saw Emery Hazard leave the police force and with the encouragement of his John-Henry, he set out to become a private investigator. So now here in their follow up series 'A Union of Swords' we get to see the effect of Emery's decision on their relationship. In book #1 "The Rational Faculty" we saw the beginnings of how things are changing for the former work partnership and it's impact on their personal relationship but here in book #2 "Police Brutality" the changes continue and with John-Henry talking about marriage and the addition of Dulac, Somerset's recently acquired work partner, who seems to be there at Hazard's every turn and add in Hazard's newest client...Walter Hoffmeister, a rather unpopular police officer that we've encountered in previous stories, along with the fact that 'The Keeper of Bees' is very probably still around and a threat to all that Ellery holds dear and this series is shaping up to be even more intense and mind gripping than the first one. As much as I enjoy all aspects of the story, I have to admit for me it's the dynamics between Hazard and Somerset that keep me coming back for more. I love how these two men are together. I love that they see the flaws and imperfections in each other, that they fight...sorry, but in the real world people fight and argue and they make up. They say I'm sorry...not always with words but in ways that only someone who truly loves them can see and understand. Theirs is not a perfect relationship but one that's built on love and determination with a bit of sarcasm and snark thrown in for good measure. Hazard and Somerset is about second chances, it's about flawed men, broken men who are to stubborn to stay down no matter how hard the world tries to keep them there. It's about men who do the right thing even when it's often not the easy thing to do and it's a series that grabbed my attention and has won my heart. I love this couple and having been there for the beginning I absolutely want to be there for whatever comes next. ************************* An audio book of "Police Brutality" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Dana Piazzi
- 13-06-20
A series that really reflects the real world!
For as emotionally heavy as the last story was, this one felt like a fresh breath of air. That is to say, as much of a fresh breath of air trying to figure out who is trying to scare/hurt a police officer is; as much of a fresh breath of air is for a couple ready to move on to the next level while one seems commitment-phobic. Hazard and Somerset definitely made strides into the problems they were having as a couple and individually in the last book. Hazard is continuing to work as a private investigator and the work definitely seems to help him with his depression. He has an added sense of guilt in regards to a former client who had been held by a serial killer. The mysterious entity calling himself the Keeper of Bees doesn't seem to be actively trying to terrorize Hazard in this book, but his guilt over his client and worry over what the killer might do over the future is affecting Hazard in a big way. His feelings for Somerset are strong but can Hazard risk making him a possible future target? I definitely can understand how he feels, but again with the men and their dislike for talking about feelings. Overall, I feel like the two men are at a good place in their relationship and on the precipice of being even closer even with their worries. The cases that Hazard and Somerset and his new partner are investigating in this book aren't as tense to me as the previous book either. Though to be perfectly honest, Hazard's new client and the title of the book should make it feel like it is. The police officer that hired Hazard to look into threats into his life has engaged in excessive force while on duty. The things that are happening in these books are very relevant to what is happening in the world now. I know this book was written months ago, but really the issues of systemic racism and police brutality have been going on forever and thanks to social media have really been brought to light the last few years. It isn't quite a light subject, but the anti-facist protesters and the white supremacist hate group Bright Lights seem to be taking a little break in this book and it notched down the tension for me. There are plenty of suspicious characters in this book though. Somerset's new partner comes off as young and kind of shallow. I was concerned about some of his behavior in this book, but I am waiting to see how things proceed with him before judging to harshly. The new pastor of the local church is also acting in strange ways and has a lot of hostility for Hazard and for the police department. I do believe we will see more drama from the situation in the future. I thought this was a really good mystery and I did enjoy that the tension was a little less in this book. Not that I am against the angst and pressure and worry that I felt listening to the first book, but I am positive that there will be more in the future books, perhaps even the next one. I needed a moment to breathe between the strained situations so I don't feel on edge the whole time. I would definitely recommend listening to the books in order because so much of what these characters have been through have made them who they are in this book. However if you picked up this book without listening or reading any of the previous ones, I feel like the author does a good job of explaining their history while telling their new story. Either way, I definitely recommend the story and the narrator. Tristan James does a great job with this series.