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Hazardverse: Sidetracks #5
Body Count
This isn’t a romance. This isn’t happily-ever-after. This is a mystery. And, like me, it’s pretty messed up.
Detective Gray Dulac is in freefall: a disfiguring injury; a crumbling relationship; a slowly imploding career. But there’s a kind of clarity to it all. A detachment. A way of being in the world when you can’t screw things up any more than you already have.
When he stumbles across a wounded young man outside a party, though, Gray is struck by the similarities between their injuries, and he discovers he might not be as detached as he thought. The case falls under the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s office, but Gray can’t seem to leave it alone, and he continues to investigate even after being told to stop.
The only problem is that everyone, including the victim, is lying to him. And when the young man turns up dead, Gray finds himself at the top of the list of suspects and racing to find the real killer—and the truth. Because better than anyone, Gray knows that truth is a broken mirror.
And the edges are sharp enough to cut.
Detective Gray Dulac is in freefall: a disfiguring injury; a crumbling relationship; a slowly imploding career. But there’s a kind of clarity to it all. A detachment. A way of being in the world when you can’t screw things up any more than you already have.
When he stumbles across a wounded young man outside a party, though, Gray is struck by the similarities between their injuries, and he discovers he might not be as detached as he thought. The case falls under the jurisdiction of the sheriff’s office, but Gray can’t seem to leave it alone, and he continues to investigate even after being told to stop.
The only problem is that everyone, including the victim, is lying to him. And when the young man turns up dead, Gray finds himself at the top of the list of suspects and racing to find the real killer—and the truth. Because better than anyone, Gray knows that truth is a broken mirror.
And the edges are sharp enough to cut.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2025
20 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,784 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
May 30, 2025
GA IS BACK, BABYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!
So, ok. This book is dark. Like, Hollow Folk dark. It is a tough read pretty much the whole way through. Dulac is in a terrible place emotionally. He hates himself. He hates his scars and his ravaged eye. He hates his newfound fears and his (undiagnosed) PTSD, and the childhood trauma that both dredge up. He is drinking far too much, putting himself in dangerous situations (CW for multiple violent assaults with serious injuries), engaging in unsafe sex (CW for dubcon, unnegotiated kink, and unprotected sex while on PREP), and sabotaging his career. [Further CWs that don't fit above: drugging, SA, disassociation.] In addition to self-loathing, he is carrying around a huge amount of guilt towards Darnell for what Dulac's been putting him through since the injury, as well as resentment towards John-Henry, who he feels abandoned by. This is a book where we're spending almost the entire time* in the head of a person in severe crisis, one who is able to function and, indeed, single-handedly solve a crime no one else cares about, but who fundamentally doesn't believe that things will ever get better.
Friends: I loved it.
This is the first GA book I've read since the Iron on Iron series that felt like a proper GA book. And yes, that is a slight on the cozies. (Not so much a slight on The Kiss Principle, which I quite liked, but which lacked a suspense plot and thus felt like a fun detour from GA's normal work.) And at the risk of imposing my own reader prejudices onto an author who I have no RL connection to or contact with: this felt like the work of someone who enjoyed the fuck out of writing it, and who is chomping at the bit to get back to these characters and this world.
Dulac's voice is so authentic, so fully formed, so entirely himself. The action is propulsive, the crime is integral to the story and Dulac's arc, the humor -- and there are touches of humor here -- is dry and self-deprecating and just on the right side of bro-y, and the character work is so, so compelling. The Dulac we met in earlier H/S arcs and in Iron on Iron was always purposely outrageous: overtly sexual and flirty, pushing buttons and pushing boundaries, and -- occasional glimpses of insight and competence aside -- pretty juvenile. Very "HR's worst nightmare"-coded. The Dulac we get here is a through-the-looking-glass version of that, more carefree Dulac. Our Dulac is not a better person because he's suffered. He's a more miserable, bitter person because he's still suffering, and because he cannot reconcile his suffering with his own innocence in its cause.
That's too convoluted; what I'm trying to say is that Dulac, at some level (and rooted in his horrific, abusive childhood), believes that suffering is what he deserves because he believes, again at a fundamental level, that he's a bad person. I feel like if Dulac's injuries and trauma and spiral were the result of his own fuck-up, he'd handle it better: it would be proof of concept of what he's always known, which is that he's not someone who deserves good things or a good life. But Dulac's injury in the line of duty was entirely unforeseeable and entirely not his fault, making it meaningless, nothing more than a horrible bit of bad luck. And it's like he can't handle his own blamelessness in his pain and trauma: for someone who's convinced of his own lack of value, it's almost too cruel to be struck down by something that wasn't even meant for you, but would have happened to anyone who was unlucky enough to be there. And so all of his actions are about (subconsciously) earning his suffering by proving what a piece of shit he is (because pieces of shit deserve what they get): lashing out at Darnell, sleeping with teenagers, self-medicating to the point of blackouts, pissing off colleagues, fucking around (literally) with the investigation. It's terrible and brutal to read, but it's so rich that it's impossible to look away. The therapist scene was a masterclass in writing that was deeply uncomfortable but also incredibly satisfying to read, and that increased our understanding of Dulac and Darnell and their relationship by about 1000 percent in just a few short pages. Chef's fucking kiss, GA.
And speaking of character work: it's hardly a spoiler to note that John-Henry has a cameo in this book, as he is the one most connected to Dulac -- ex-partner, ex-boss, unrequited crush, and golden boy stand-in for all the things Dulac wishes he was, and resents all the more for not being. J-H has relatively little page time but it is incredibly impactful, both for Dulac's story and for nudging J-H's arc a bit further down the road. The interaction between Dulac and J-H is effective because it's happening on a much more even basis than we've seen from them before: yes, Dulac is pretty much at his lowest point, but J-H is also at sea after the events of Iron on Iron, so there is a resonance between them that was never there even when they were technically equal partners. And while GA isn't doing anything with J-H that will cause confusion for readers that skip this one -- seemingly cognizant that the darkness of Dulac's story will not be for everyone -- he is taking full advantage of the interaction between the two to tease out their vulnerabilities and defensiveness and sincere (platonic) love for each other. The chef bestows yet more tongue.
I don't know if this is being marketed as a standalone within the Hazardverse world, but honestly: it's not. If you don't have prior knowledge of Dulac and Darnell, or of the wider John-Henry/Emery relationship and backstory and how D/D fits in, then -- I mean, obviously, you should go read the 30-ish books leading up to this point, what are you doing with your life?? -- but no, seriously, don't start here. It is WAY too dark and there is WAY too much backstory to have this as your entryway to the Hazardverse. And as a public service: if you came to GA through the cozies and feel that those are about where you like your violence and darkness, this is NOT the book for you. I guess it's theoretically possible to have more diametrically opposed characters than Dulac and Dash, but I'm struggling to think of any.
OK, enough cozy-bashing. Fellow GA devotees who've been missing the fuckery and brutality of Wahredua, and the amazing characters that make Hazardverse a place we keep going back to in spite of it all: this one's for us.
* I should note that this has what I would describe as a hopeful ending that feels true to Dulac's journey through the book. And there's hints that there's more Dulac to come -- seems that GA's appetite is truly whetted now . . .
I got an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review, and ngl it's a relief to finally give 5 stars because I've been giving the cozies a rough ride for like 4 books now, which goes to show that GA isn't censoring his ARC team, and is also a bigger person than yours truly
So, ok. This book is dark. Like, Hollow Folk dark. It is a tough read pretty much the whole way through. Dulac is in a terrible place emotionally. He hates himself. He hates his scars and his ravaged eye. He hates his newfound fears and his (undiagnosed) PTSD, and the childhood trauma that both dredge up. He is drinking far too much, putting himself in dangerous situations (CW for multiple violent assaults with serious injuries), engaging in unsafe sex (CW for dubcon, unnegotiated kink, and unprotected sex while on PREP), and sabotaging his career. [Further CWs that don't fit above: drugging, SA, disassociation.] In addition to self-loathing, he is carrying around a huge amount of guilt towards Darnell for what Dulac's been putting him through since the injury, as well as resentment towards John-Henry, who he feels abandoned by. This is a book where we're spending almost the entire time* in the head of a person in severe crisis, one who is able to function and, indeed, single-handedly solve a crime no one else cares about, but who fundamentally doesn't believe that things will ever get better.
Friends: I loved it.
This is the first GA book I've read since the Iron on Iron series that felt like a proper GA book. And yes, that is a slight on the cozies. (Not so much a slight on The Kiss Principle, which I quite liked, but which lacked a suspense plot and thus felt like a fun detour from GA's normal work.) And at the risk of imposing my own reader prejudices onto an author who I have no RL connection to or contact with: this felt like the work of someone who enjoyed the fuck out of writing it, and who is chomping at the bit to get back to these characters and this world.
Dulac's voice is so authentic, so fully formed, so entirely himself. The action is propulsive, the crime is integral to the story and Dulac's arc, the humor -- and there are touches of humor here -- is dry and self-deprecating and just on the right side of bro-y, and the character work is so, so compelling. The Dulac we met in earlier H/S arcs and in Iron on Iron was always purposely outrageous: overtly sexual and flirty, pushing buttons and pushing boundaries, and -- occasional glimpses of insight and competence aside -- pretty juvenile. Very "HR's worst nightmare"-coded. The Dulac we get here is a through-the-looking-glass version of that, more carefree Dulac. Our Dulac is not a better person because he's suffered. He's a more miserable, bitter person because he's still suffering, and because he cannot reconcile his suffering with his own innocence in its cause.
That's too convoluted; what I'm trying to say is that Dulac, at some level (and rooted in his horrific, abusive childhood), believes that suffering is what he deserves because he believes, again at a fundamental level, that he's a bad person. I feel like if Dulac's injuries and trauma and spiral were the result of his own fuck-up, he'd handle it better: it would be proof of concept of what he's always known, which is that he's not someone who deserves good things or a good life. But Dulac's injury in the line of duty was entirely unforeseeable and entirely not his fault, making it meaningless, nothing more than a horrible bit of bad luck. And it's like he can't handle his own blamelessness in his pain and trauma: for someone who's convinced of his own lack of value, it's almost too cruel to be struck down by something that wasn't even meant for you, but would have happened to anyone who was unlucky enough to be there. And so all of his actions are about (subconsciously) earning his suffering by proving what a piece of shit he is (because pieces of shit deserve what they get): lashing out at Darnell, sleeping with teenagers, self-medicating to the point of blackouts, pissing off colleagues, fucking around (literally) with the investigation. It's terrible and brutal to read, but it's so rich that it's impossible to look away. The therapist scene was a masterclass in writing that was deeply uncomfortable but also incredibly satisfying to read, and that increased our understanding of Dulac and Darnell and their relationship by about 1000 percent in just a few short pages. Chef's fucking kiss, GA.
And speaking of character work: it's hardly a spoiler to note that John-Henry has a cameo in this book, as he is the one most connected to Dulac -- ex-partner, ex-boss, unrequited crush, and golden boy stand-in for all the things Dulac wishes he was, and resents all the more for not being. J-H has relatively little page time but it is incredibly impactful, both for Dulac's story and for nudging J-H's arc a bit further down the road. The interaction between Dulac and J-H is effective because it's happening on a much more even basis than we've seen from them before: yes, Dulac is pretty much at his lowest point, but J-H is also at sea after the events of Iron on Iron, so there is a resonance between them that was never there even when they were technically equal partners. And while GA isn't doing anything with J-H that will cause confusion for readers that skip this one -- seemingly cognizant that the darkness of Dulac's story will not be for everyone -- he is taking full advantage of the interaction between the two to tease out their vulnerabilities and defensiveness and sincere (platonic) love for each other. The chef bestows yet more tongue.
I don't know if this is being marketed as a standalone within the Hazardverse world, but honestly: it's not. If you don't have prior knowledge of Dulac and Darnell, or of the wider John-Henry/Emery relationship and backstory and how D/D fits in, then -- I mean, obviously, you should go read the 30-ish books leading up to this point, what are you doing with your life?? -- but no, seriously, don't start here. It is WAY too dark and there is WAY too much backstory to have this as your entryway to the Hazardverse. And as a public service: if you came to GA through the cozies and feel that those are about where you like your violence and darkness, this is NOT the book for you. I guess it's theoretically possible to have more diametrically opposed characters than Dulac and Dash, but I'm struggling to think of any.
OK, enough cozy-bashing. Fellow GA devotees who've been missing the fuckery and brutality of Wahredua, and the amazing characters that make Hazardverse a place we keep going back to in spite of it all: this one's for us.
* I should note that this has what I would describe as a hopeful ending that feels true to Dulac's journey through the book. And there's hints that there's more Dulac to come -- seems that GA's appetite is truly whetted now . . .
I got an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review, and ngl it's a relief to finally give 5 stars because I've been giving the cozies a rough ride for like 4 books now, which goes to show that GA isn't censoring his ARC team, and is also a bigger person than yours truly
May 26, 2025
Happy release day to this spin-off from the perspective of one of the messiest characters in the entirety of the Hazardverse (and GA veterans know there’s no lack of gargantuan messes to sift through)!
- Buy direct: https://shop.gregoryashe.com/b/sfZAG
- Audiobook (narrated by Greg Tremblay): https://www.audible.com/pd/Body-Count...
Suggested reading order: after all three Hazard & Somerset arcs (H&S Mysteries, Union of Swords, Arrows in the Hand) and The Evening Wolves (Iron on Iron #4)
- List of CWs: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-...
-----
[4.4~4.5] One of the highest compliments I can dole out to Gray Dulac in an attempt to encapsulate his no-limits, fratboy, noir-esque cynicality and self-deprecation is the mirages of Nick Nowak, protagonist of the incredible Boystown series, that I saw in his wake. Dulac's younger in many ways, arguably more self-aware in some, but their similarities are ever prominent in the directional shifts: the prolonged fall, adrift and lost for too long and with little means to cope, to meanderingly slow rise, from bitter venom to golden drops of elusive hope.
GA enacts an impressive display of the duality of man by penning this at the same time as his cozies. It's as if everything he's been holding back found their outlet in a cathartic rush. The angst, the grit, the swearing - a dam burst so painful and delightfully familiar, a flood relieved to spew unrestrained at last. No punches were pulled in the making of this book, much to Dulac's chagrin. So much so that you'll do well to heed the first two sentences of the blurb.
The case in parallel sets Dulac on a stuttering trot across a field of thorns to the land of self-reflection. While at times nebulous on the logistics, the mystery held me in rapt attention. I loved the tie-ins, the situations Dulac was led into, the creeping doubts. Taking flawed characters to their limits is where GA's stories excel, and this was no exception. I'm already wearing the edge of my seat for the official release of Dulac's Story Part 2, and sincerely hope a certain other individual gets to tell his story in the future.
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
------pre-release thoughts------
From what I’ve read of the serialization so far, this book is a dangerously compelling character study into a broken soul that redefines rock bottom. It’s also been personally the roughest for me to digest in all its difficult themes and graphic depictions - no ifs, ands, or buts about it. To be honest, I don’t know if I’d be able to read this again without a narrator holding my hand through it. I’ll be here desperately waiting to learn who the narrator is of this far-off audiobook 😌 *twiddles thumbs*
- Buy direct: https://shop.gregoryashe.com/b/sfZAG
- Audiobook (narrated by Greg Tremblay): https://www.audible.com/pd/Body-Count...
Suggested reading order: after all three Hazard & Somerset arcs (H&S Mysteries, Union of Swords, Arrows in the Hand) and The Evening Wolves (Iron on Iron #4)
- List of CWs: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-...
-----
[4.4~4.5] One of the highest compliments I can dole out to Gray Dulac in an attempt to encapsulate his no-limits, fratboy, noir-esque cynicality and self-deprecation is the mirages of Nick Nowak, protagonist of the incredible Boystown series, that I saw in his wake. Dulac's younger in many ways, arguably more self-aware in some, but their similarities are ever prominent in the directional shifts: the prolonged fall, adrift and lost for too long and with little means to cope, to meanderingly slow rise, from bitter venom to golden drops of elusive hope.
GA enacts an impressive display of the duality of man by penning this at the same time as his cozies. It's as if everything he's been holding back found their outlet in a cathartic rush. The angst, the grit, the swearing - a dam burst so painful and delightfully familiar, a flood relieved to spew unrestrained at last. No punches were pulled in the making of this book, much to Dulac's chagrin. So much so that you'll do well to heed the first two sentences of the blurb.
The case in parallel sets Dulac on a stuttering trot across a field of thorns to the land of self-reflection. While at times nebulous on the logistics, the mystery held me in rapt attention. I loved the tie-ins, the situations Dulac was led into, the creeping doubts. Taking flawed characters to their limits is where GA's stories excel, and this was no exception. I'm already wearing the edge of my seat for the official release of Dulac's Story Part 2, and sincerely hope a certain other individual gets to tell his story in the future.
Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book; this is my honest review :)
------pre-release thoughts------
From what I’ve read of the serialization so far, this book is a dangerously compelling character study into a broken soul that redefines rock bottom. It’s also been personally the roughest for me to digest in all its difficult themes and graphic depictions - no ifs, ands, or buts about it. To be honest, I don’t know if I’d be able to read this again without a narrator holding my hand through it. I’ll be here desperately waiting to learn who the narrator is of this far-off audiobook 😌 *twiddles thumbs*
May 28, 2025
Well...300 pages later and I still don't like Dulac. 😂
I enjoyed his story though, and it was nice to see Somers and Hazard, even if it was too brief.
The "my boy John-Henry" thing Dulac kept doing was just weird.
Full RTC.
Oh, and not technically a genre romance, you've been warned!
Available on Kobo+, Smashwords, and everywhere else.
I enjoyed his story though, and it was nice to see Somers and Hazard, even if it was too brief.
The "my boy John-Henry" thing Dulac kept doing was just weird.
Full RTC.
Oh, and not technically a genre romance, you've been warned!
Available on Kobo+, Smashwords, and everywhere else.
May 26, 2025
As heavy and disturbing as this book is for Gray, I feel like it ended on a really hopeful note and, as always, I want more story! There may be mild spoilers in this review regarding the events of this book, but I'm also assuming that if you're reading Gray's book, then you've also read the rest of the Hazardverse books, so I don't consider any info relating to them to be a spoiler.
Gray is really going through it since the events of Final Orders and this story is taking place a year on, where he's still dealing with the aftermath of his injuries and trauma. He's really one bad decision away from death for a lot of this book, but I think his character needed to go through this struggle so that he'd be able to move forward with his life again. It was really hard to see him struggling so much though, because he's been one of my favourite characters since he was introduced (even when he was super annoying), but getting to know more about him definitely helped to understand who he is as a person.
I actually think my favourite parts of this book are when he went to see the therapist and actually wanted to talk, and also when he has that conversation with John-Henry. It really felt like Gray was ready to actually face up to the trauma he's been through in his life and admit to himself that this isn't the life that he wants. I want to see what Gray decides to do next and how he's going to do it.
Darnell has never really been a character that I liked and I think it's because we never really get to know all that much about him in comparison to the rest of the cast of characters in the Hazardverse. I never thought he was quite the right fit for Gray and the way he behaved at the therapy session kind of cemented that belief for me. Their brand of toxic / codependency isn't endearing and doesn't feel redeemable. I just don't think they go together...
For such a downbeat book there was also a surprising amount of humour in Gray's observations. I particularly loved his inner commentary on What Would Emery Say/Do 😂 It was also nice to see where John is at six months after the events of The Evening Wolves, and quite frankly I just need another Hazard and Somerset story arc because I need to know how they all are following that series! At this point I don't see how Gregory Ashe can stop writing books for all of these characters because there's always something happening!
Gray is really going through it since the events of Final Orders and this story is taking place a year on, where he's still dealing with the aftermath of his injuries and trauma. He's really one bad decision away from death for a lot of this book, but I think his character needed to go through this struggle so that he'd be able to move forward with his life again. It was really hard to see him struggling so much though, because he's been one of my favourite characters since he was introduced (even when he was super annoying), but getting to know more about him definitely helped to understand who he is as a person.
I actually think my favourite parts of this book are when he went to see the therapist and actually wanted to talk, and also when he has that conversation with John-Henry. It really felt like Gray was ready to actually face up to the trauma he's been through in his life and admit to himself that this isn't the life that he wants. I want to see what Gray decides to do next and how he's going to do it.
Darnell has never really been a character that I liked and I think it's because we never really get to know all that much about him in comparison to the rest of the cast of characters in the Hazardverse. I never thought he was quite the right fit for Gray and the way he behaved at the therapy session kind of cemented that belief for me. Their brand of toxic / codependency isn't endearing and doesn't feel redeemable. I just don't think they go together...
For such a downbeat book there was also a surprising amount of humour in Gray's observations. I particularly loved his inner commentary on What Would Emery Say/Do 😂 It was also nice to see where John is at six months after the events of The Evening Wolves, and quite frankly I just need another Hazard and Somerset story arc because I need to know how they all are following that series! At this point I don't see how Gregory Ashe can stop writing books for all of these characters because there's always something happening!
May 20, 2025
5 ⭐️ - story
5 ⭐️ - audio
Stunning cover 🥰
Wow….I have no words, this book is probably one of my favorites from Gregory Ashe and that’s saying a lot.
I always found Gray Dulac a difficult character to like, his obvious jealousy, spite and pettiness in previous books, then that creepy shit with JH, I have to say that he wasn’t my favorite. He got on Emery’s nerves so he got on my nerves 😅 But during the 3rd arc of H&S I started to get curious because he was such a mess and it was clear that there was so much more underneath the fuckboy bro persona. After the events at the end of the series he went on a downward spiral that is throughly explored in this book.
And what an incredible job GA has done, if I thought Gray was a mess before in here he hits rock bottom and then someone handed him a shovel…it was very hard to read….I loved the mystery and I loved Gray. I hurt for him and Darnell but the story ended in a good and hopeful place.
Once again Gregory left me completely in awe with his writing skills and his knowledge of human nature, how trauma affects people, their sense of self worth, how it shapes them, the exploration of people’s minds, emotions, motivations and fears. He really knows how to create unique characters and stay true to their voices and personalities.
The audiobook - incredible narration!
5 ⭐️ - audio
Stunning cover 🥰
Wow….I have no words, this book is probably one of my favorites from Gregory Ashe and that’s saying a lot.
I always found Gray Dulac a difficult character to like, his obvious jealousy, spite and pettiness in previous books, then that creepy shit with JH, I have to say that he wasn’t my favorite. He got on Emery’s nerves so he got on my nerves 😅 But during the 3rd arc of H&S I started to get curious because he was such a mess and it was clear that there was so much more underneath the fuckboy bro persona. After the events at the end of the series he went on a downward spiral that is throughly explored in this book.
And what an incredible job GA has done, if I thought Gray was a mess before in here he hits rock bottom and then someone handed him a shovel…it was very hard to read….I loved the mystery and I loved Gray. I hurt for him and Darnell but the story ended in a good and hopeful place.
Once again Gregory left me completely in awe with his writing skills and his knowledge of human nature, how trauma affects people, their sense of self worth, how it shapes them, the exploration of people’s minds, emotions, motivations and fears. He really knows how to create unique characters and stay true to their voices and personalities.
The audiobook - incredible narration!
March 21, 2025
What a deliciously predictable rough ride! Not for the faint of heart and I know this is saying something , considering some of the other books, but this is definitely one of the angstier ones.
This story definitely needs to be read after the H & S series , where we are introduced to Dulac, our very favourite …f*** boy? 😄
Most excellent writing as always.
This story definitely needs to be read after the H & S series , where we are introduced to Dulac, our very favourite …f*** boy? 😄
Most excellent writing as always.
May 20, 2025
This book is not an easy read, & the best summary is Gray Dulac GOES. THROUGH. IT. All of it! But it deepens & contextualizes a character who could easily be a dude-bro stereotype, and opens new doors in the larger Hazard & Somerset universe. I really came to love Gray by the end, and want him to want the best for himself!!
May 27, 2025
Articulate rage.
Pummel yourself. Save no one.
Stop breathing. Then start.
4.5 rounded down. God help us all get through the last of the cozies and bring the real mysteries and the darkness back. I am DONE with GA lite.
Pummel yourself. Save no one.
Stop breathing. Then start.
4.5 rounded down. God help us all get through the last of the cozies and bring the real mysteries and the darkness back. I am DONE with GA lite.
October 22, 2025
Dark. Loved it!
May 25, 2025
***Thanks to the author for giving me an e-ARC to read and review!***
This book asks the question: What does rock bottom look like for Gray Dulac?
If you’re familiar with the Hazard and Somerset books, you’d think Dulac’s story would mirror Somers’ but this is its own thing and Dulac’s story is ROUGH. This is a journey and I love the ending we get. Yes, mind the synopsis - this is not a Romance and this doesn’t have a HEA. But it does end on a hopeful note. And after everything we go through with Dulac in this book, I do think this is the best and most fitting outcome.
This is very close to being my favorite Gregory Ashe book, but I acknowledge that I have a tendency to like the darkest of dark books so do with that what you will.
Content notes include alcoholism, abuse, assault (including a homophobic attack and use of date rape drugs), dubcon, drug abuse (oxy, cocaine, vaping), homophobia, internalized homophobia, murder, police brutality, PTSD, self destructive behavior, suicidal ideation, and violence.
I’ll say it. I never hated Dulac. It seems like a lot of people do and I never understood it. I might’ve been more than a little suspicious for a second there thinking he was The Keeper of Bees and I never could make sense of his relationship dynamic with Darnell, but I never understood the Dulac hate. He might’ve been a little annoying trying to rile up Hazard and being too frat boy BFFs with Somers but that’s his thing. I don’t know if this book will change anyone’s mind but I love the insight we get into what makes Dulac who he is and the growth we see in him by the end.
Dulac has definitely mellowed out now but in the sense that he’s spiraled harder than any character we’ve seen and hit rock bottom. HARD. This book is in first person POV, and this is dark, and the man is SUFFERING, so we’re suffering with him too (I love it).
The opening chapter had me grasping my (metaphorical) pearls. After so many books lately from the author with low heat, or barely any sex scenes really, this is a departure. Quite bluntly, Dulac is out partying it up while Darnell is at home, and he is fucking or getting fucked by any guy within his vicinity. It’s been a year since the events in Final Orders messed up his face and his eye, and he has NOT handled things well. He has returned to his fuckboi phase, boyfriend be damned. They’re in an open relationship but it’s clearly very one sided.
So to explain a few things. This book COULD be read as a standalone but I don’t think I would necessarily recommend this as a standalone, especially if you want the full gist of the story and really feel the emotional impact of who Dulac was and how it’s so at odds with the man he is now. I would rec reading the Hazard and Somerset books up through Final Orders.
The last we saw him, I genuinely thought he lost his eye. But he didn’t? It doesn’t matter though because in any case, the incident has done a real number on his self image and he can’t reconcile that he’s scarred up now and he’s no longer the pretty boy he once prided himself to be.
Dulac still has his job as a detective with the Wahredua PD. His partner, Palomo, is mentioned a few times but we don’t see much of her because he’s out running his own investigation. She’s actually quite willing to put up with a lot in my opinion. She was such a stickler for the rules when we first met her and now Dulac is running all over the county doing God knows what and she seems pretty chill about it all.
Somers is still out and jobless. Peterson has replaced Somers and is now interim Chief of Police. For those keeping count, I think this is the fourth person in as Chief, so it’s been a real rotating list of people passing through this position throughout the series. If Somers really does find a new calling, I hope Peterson stays on because he’s not too bad.
This book is mainly a mystery book and I LOVED that. Had me guessing and on my toes until the very end. This whole case was wild from start to finish. We meet Tip pretty early on. As Dulac staggers out of the house party, he spots Tip with a similar injury to his - damage to his eye. And that’s where this whole story begins. I don’t want to give too much away about the whole case, but I will say that one critique I have for this book is that one of the main suspects is called Rory and nobody bats an eye (no pun intended).
I know, the author has written many, many books so names are bound to overlap at some point but Rory is such an important piece to the Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords story arc, that it took me aback that this is a different Rory and nobody says anything about it.
So. Dulac is addicted to hookup apps (one of his many addictions in this book and honestly the vaping is the other major one that I wish someone would talk to him about stopping) but I’m confused because this book mentions Grindr. I thought the in-series gay hookup was called Prowler. As in, Prowler was the replacement name in these books for Grindr to avoid copyright or whatever but I guess we’re ignoring that now? Also, mentions another real app called Scruff. So I don’t know anymore.
Dulac and Darnell have never made sense to me as a couple but I just went with it. I liked the characters but they never made sense together. We get way more insight here and it’s so interesting to see it from the inside and not as an observer from other points of view.
Darnell has a vigilante streak about him and the first time Dulac met him was after he and Somers caught Darnell catfishing guys who were trying to hookup with underage girls, and Darnell would scare the daylights out of them so they’d never try that again. Darnell is actually super well meaning and so nice? But here, we find out that he can actually go toe to toe with Dulac’s level of unhinged. They weirdly do…fit.
I don’t know what’s going to happen with Dulac or Darnell after this book. Dulac’s HEA is left on a bit of a cliffhanger and I do appreciate that because he has a LOT of healing and therapy to get to a place where he can be happy with himself. But where, or if, Darnell will fit into that? I don’t know. I wonder if we’ll see Dulac finding his HEA through Sam Yarmark’s book or through the eyes of a future Hazard and Somerset book. What does the future hold for this mature Dulac? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Is Dulac still attracted to Somers? Maybe. He definitely refers to Somers as “my boy” often in his head when referring to him. But he also nicknamed Yarmark “Clark Kent” in his head so maybe we’re floating the idea that Dulac could wind up with Somers’ protégé?
Somers does show up in this book and I loved seeing him, even if the moment was brief. It came at a good time when Dulac actually got to talk to him. I thought they lived across the street from each other but maybe not. Dulac had to drive around before ending up at Hazard and Somers’ home. I’ll have to keep an eye out on my rereads.
There’s a lot of moments where Dulac will mention Hazard, but we actually only see the man himself in-person very briefly at the end. I loved every minute of it. Surprisingly, we do see Hazard’s therapist, Pauline, more than we see Hazard but that’s okay. The moment where she couldn’t hide a grin at the mention of Hazard was so funny because I do think she likes the challenge of being Hazard’s therapist.
Overall, I really loved this book and it’s just a dark and gritty one this time around by Gregory Ashe. I think I prefer the books that come with a side of relationship angst because they all wind up being my faves. I can’t wait to see where Dulac’s story goes in the future, as well as everyone else in the Hazard and Somerset universe!
This book asks the question: What does rock bottom look like for Gray Dulac?
If you’re familiar with the Hazard and Somerset books, you’d think Dulac’s story would mirror Somers’ but this is its own thing and Dulac’s story is ROUGH. This is a journey and I love the ending we get. Yes, mind the synopsis - this is not a Romance and this doesn’t have a HEA. But it does end on a hopeful note. And after everything we go through with Dulac in this book, I do think this is the best and most fitting outcome.
This is very close to being my favorite Gregory Ashe book, but I acknowledge that I have a tendency to like the darkest of dark books so do with that what you will.
Content notes include alcoholism, abuse, assault (including a homophobic attack and use of date rape drugs), dubcon, drug abuse (oxy, cocaine, vaping), homophobia, internalized homophobia, murder, police brutality, PTSD, self destructive behavior, suicidal ideation, and violence.
I’ll say it. I never hated Dulac. It seems like a lot of people do and I never understood it. I might’ve been more than a little suspicious for a second there thinking he was The Keeper of Bees and I never could make sense of his relationship dynamic with Darnell, but I never understood the Dulac hate. He might’ve been a little annoying trying to rile up Hazard and being too frat boy BFFs with Somers but that’s his thing. I don’t know if this book will change anyone’s mind but I love the insight we get into what makes Dulac who he is and the growth we see in him by the end.
Dulac has definitely mellowed out now but in the sense that he’s spiraled harder than any character we’ve seen and hit rock bottom. HARD. This book is in first person POV, and this is dark, and the man is SUFFERING, so we’re suffering with him too (I love it).
The opening chapter had me grasping my (metaphorical) pearls. After so many books lately from the author with low heat, or barely any sex scenes really, this is a departure. Quite bluntly, Dulac is out partying it up while Darnell is at home, and he is fucking or getting fucked by any guy within his vicinity. It’s been a year since the events in Final Orders messed up his face and his eye, and he has NOT handled things well. He has returned to his fuckboi phase, boyfriend be damned. They’re in an open relationship but it’s clearly very one sided.
So to explain a few things. This book COULD be read as a standalone but I don’t think I would necessarily recommend this as a standalone, especially if you want the full gist of the story and really feel the emotional impact of who Dulac was and how it’s so at odds with the man he is now. I would rec reading the Hazard and Somerset books up through Final Orders.
The last we saw him, I genuinely thought he lost his eye. But he didn’t? It doesn’t matter though because in any case, the incident has done a real number on his self image and he can’t reconcile that he’s scarred up now and he’s no longer the pretty boy he once prided himself to be.
Dulac still has his job as a detective with the Wahredua PD. His partner, Palomo, is mentioned a few times but we don’t see much of her because he’s out running his own investigation. She’s actually quite willing to put up with a lot in my opinion. She was such a stickler for the rules when we first met her and now Dulac is running all over the county doing God knows what and she seems pretty chill about it all.
Somers is still out and jobless. Peterson has replaced Somers and is now interim Chief of Police. For those keeping count, I think this is the fourth person in as Chief, so it’s been a real rotating list of people passing through this position throughout the series. If Somers really does find a new calling, I hope Peterson stays on because he’s not too bad.
This book is mainly a mystery book and I LOVED that. Had me guessing and on my toes until the very end. This whole case was wild from start to finish. We meet Tip pretty early on. As Dulac staggers out of the house party, he spots Tip with a similar injury to his - damage to his eye. And that’s where this whole story begins. I don’t want to give too much away about the whole case, but I will say that one critique I have for this book is that one of the main suspects is called Rory and nobody bats an eye (no pun intended).
I know, the author has written many, many books so names are bound to overlap at some point but Rory is such an important piece to the Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords story arc, that it took me aback that this is a different Rory and nobody says anything about it.
So. Dulac is addicted to hookup apps (one of his many addictions in this book and honestly the vaping is the other major one that I wish someone would talk to him about stopping) but I’m confused because this book mentions Grindr. I thought the in-series gay hookup was called Prowler. As in, Prowler was the replacement name in these books for Grindr to avoid copyright or whatever but I guess we’re ignoring that now? Also, mentions another real app called Scruff. So I don’t know anymore.
Dulac and Darnell have never made sense to me as a couple but I just went with it. I liked the characters but they never made sense together. We get way more insight here and it’s so interesting to see it from the inside and not as an observer from other points of view.
Darnell has a vigilante streak about him and the first time Dulac met him was after he and Somers caught Darnell catfishing guys who were trying to hookup with underage girls, and Darnell would scare the daylights out of them so they’d never try that again. Darnell is actually super well meaning and so nice? But here, we find out that he can actually go toe to toe with Dulac’s level of unhinged. They weirdly do…fit.
I don’t know what’s going to happen with Dulac or Darnell after this book. Dulac’s HEA is left on a bit of a cliffhanger and I do appreciate that because he has a LOT of healing and therapy to get to a place where he can be happy with himself. But where, or if, Darnell will fit into that? I don’t know. I wonder if we’ll see Dulac finding his HEA through Sam Yarmark’s book or through the eyes of a future Hazard and Somerset book. What does the future hold for this mature Dulac? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Is Dulac still attracted to Somers? Maybe. He definitely refers to Somers as “my boy” often in his head when referring to him. But he also nicknamed Yarmark “Clark Kent” in his head so maybe we’re floating the idea that Dulac could wind up with Somers’ protégé?
Somers does show up in this book and I loved seeing him, even if the moment was brief. It came at a good time when Dulac actually got to talk to him. I thought they lived across the street from each other but maybe not. Dulac had to drive around before ending up at Hazard and Somers’ home. I’ll have to keep an eye out on my rereads.
There’s a lot of moments where Dulac will mention Hazard, but we actually only see the man himself in-person very briefly at the end. I loved every minute of it. Surprisingly, we do see Hazard’s therapist, Pauline, more than we see Hazard but that’s okay. The moment where she couldn’t hide a grin at the mention of Hazard was so funny because I do think she likes the challenge of being Hazard’s therapist.
Overall, I really loved this book and it’s just a dark and gritty one this time around by Gregory Ashe. I think I prefer the books that come with a side of relationship angst because they all wind up being my faves. I can’t wait to see where Dulac’s story goes in the future, as well as everyone else in the Hazard and Somerset universe!
September 8, 2025
4.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WHEW talk about an unpleasant read! 28 yr old Gray Dulac’s life is coming apart at the seams, a fact he is actively encouraging through a series of terrible choices. This story is not for the faint of heart. It is chalk full of violence, most sexual in nature. This is not a standalone by any means either. If you are not deep in the Hazardverse this plot will feel incomplete and confusing on every level. Fun fact - I still have not read Arrows in the Hand because I keep saving it as a little treat 😂 So even though I’ve read everything but that, I still had a few confused moments since I didn’t know how Gray came to be in his current state.
I’m going to get into spoilers, so fair warning 🙂
⛔️
⛔️
⛔️
⛔️
⛔️
The opening scene of this book really sets the tone for the entirety of this story. Gray, semi-conscious, being dragged into a room by 3 20-somethings while they proceed to run a train on him that he maybe agreed to but can’t remember because he’s blitzed out of his mind. Like I said, this story is not for the faint of heart.
Gray suffered an injury a year prior that left a large portion of his face and eye disfigured. In that year he’s subsequently fallen into a black hole. His relationship with Darnell is on autopilot while he goes out and has sex with every guy he can find, and Darnell tries to therapy-speak him into a healthier place. Gray finds a 20 yr old outside at a party who suffered a similar disfiguring injury and finds himself way too invested in the investigation.
He continues throughout the book to make terrible choices. Continues to drink into oblivion, continues to have sex with strangers and all the wrong people, continues to avoid his clusterf-ck of a relationship with Darnell, continues to push people away, continues to avoid John-Henry, and continues to jeopardize his job by not staying out of the case. All of this also includes jeopardizing his own safety in various ways.
The story ends on a hopeful note, and I sincerely hope there is more to come with his story. The two biggest resolutions for me were his make-up with John-Henry and him finally leaving Darnell. I can’t wait to see how Gray progresses in his life.
As always, Ashe’s writing and storytelling were 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
WHEW talk about an unpleasant read! 28 yr old Gray Dulac’s life is coming apart at the seams, a fact he is actively encouraging through a series of terrible choices. This story is not for the faint of heart. It is chalk full of violence, most sexual in nature. This is not a standalone by any means either. If you are not deep in the Hazardverse this plot will feel incomplete and confusing on every level. Fun fact - I still have not read Arrows in the Hand because I keep saving it as a little treat 😂 So even though I’ve read everything but that, I still had a few confused moments since I didn’t know how Gray came to be in his current state.
I’m going to get into spoilers, so fair warning 🙂
⛔️
⛔️
⛔️
⛔️
⛔️
The opening scene of this book really sets the tone for the entirety of this story. Gray, semi-conscious, being dragged into a room by 3 20-somethings while they proceed to run a train on him that he maybe agreed to but can’t remember because he’s blitzed out of his mind. Like I said, this story is not for the faint of heart.
Gray suffered an injury a year prior that left a large portion of his face and eye disfigured. In that year he’s subsequently fallen into a black hole. His relationship with Darnell is on autopilot while he goes out and has sex with every guy he can find, and Darnell tries to therapy-speak him into a healthier place. Gray finds a 20 yr old outside at a party who suffered a similar disfiguring injury and finds himself way too invested in the investigation.
He continues throughout the book to make terrible choices. Continues to drink into oblivion, continues to have sex with strangers and all the wrong people, continues to avoid his clusterf-ck of a relationship with Darnell, continues to push people away, continues to avoid John-Henry, and continues to jeopardize his job by not staying out of the case. All of this also includes jeopardizing his own safety in various ways.
The story ends on a hopeful note, and I sincerely hope there is more to come with his story. The two biggest resolutions for me were his make-up with John-Henry and him finally leaving Darnell. I can’t wait to see how Gray progresses in his life.
As always, Ashe’s writing and storytelling were 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
August 7, 2025
Written clearly as a procedural, the title hints at revealing another insidious tally count instead. MC and wild-child Gray gets to star and despite my ambivalent feelings toward this GA character, he does afford some (albeit very brief) exposure to one JH Somerset. Balancing investigative elements with a rather in-depth character development arc, readers get to witness the best of the author's writing skills; Gray's traumatic childhood / back story does mean an adjustment in my warmness toward him despite my continued frustration with his behavioral choices and relational immaturity. Almost, but not quite 5 stars.
May 24, 2025
The dark, gritty, all-consuming mystery-thriller that we needed from Gregory Ashe.
Drastically different to his other works, Body Count is a deep-dive into the bitter world of murder, dubious sex, and PTSD.
We follow questionable hero, Detective Gray Dulac, as he navigates his way though the ruins of his life after an attack left that him permanently scarred. Masterful at making the wrong decisions, Dulac is an unexpected — if, at times, lugubrious — protagonist, that the reader cant help but root for.
Not only is Body Count giftedly written — with a mystery that will keep you on tenterhooks throughout — but its also a refreshing, insightful, and hopeful take on a hardcore thriller that allows the reader to both bask in the light and revel in the dark.
Gorgeously gruesome!
Drastically different to his other works, Body Count is a deep-dive into the bitter world of murder, dubious sex, and PTSD.
We follow questionable hero, Detective Gray Dulac, as he navigates his way though the ruins of his life after an attack left that him permanently scarred. Masterful at making the wrong decisions, Dulac is an unexpected — if, at times, lugubrious — protagonist, that the reader cant help but root for.
Not only is Body Count giftedly written — with a mystery that will keep you on tenterhooks throughout — but its also a refreshing, insightful, and hopeful take on a hardcore thriller that allows the reader to both bask in the light and revel in the dark.
Gorgeously gruesome!
May 19, 2025
I know Gray Dulac from the Hazard and Somerset series was an acquired taste for a lot of readers, but I loved him from his first moment on page in The Rational Faculty. He was such an absolute trainwreck that you (I) couldn't help but love him. This book shows him coping with his demons, particularly in regard to how he is coping with the incident that occurred in Hazard and Somerset: Arrows in the Hand book five, Final Orders.
This is not a romance. This is not a light book. This is a very dark book and it is purely a mystery and a character study of an extremely damaged individual. Gray hits rock bottom and just seems to keep falling. Despite all the bad decisions he makes, you can't help but empathize with him and all his struggles.
This book was originally written live on Twitch back in 2024, then serialized on GA's patron site, Advanced Ashochism. Watching on both was a study in both patience and a lot of fun. I highly recommend checking out his patron site if you like getting advanced access to certain books (like this one) and are enough of a masochist to be able to read them a chapter a week. 😂
I would highly recommend reading this book after reading the Hazard and Somerset series to fully understand him and his relationship with the various side characters who come into play in this book. Gray shows up in A Union of Swords and he is around throughout that arc as well as Arrows in the Hand. He also makes an appearance in The Evening Wolves, the last book in the Iron on Iron series.
And maybe keep an eye out for the future for Gray making an appearance in a future book... ;)
Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is not a romance. This is not a light book. This is a very dark book and it is purely a mystery and a character study of an extremely damaged individual. Gray hits rock bottom and just seems to keep falling. Despite all the bad decisions he makes, you can't help but empathize with him and all his struggles.
This book was originally written live on Twitch back in 2024, then serialized on GA's patron site, Advanced Ashochism. Watching on both was a study in both patience and a lot of fun. I highly recommend checking out his patron site if you like getting advanced access to certain books (like this one) and are enough of a masochist to be able to read them a chapter a week. 😂
I would highly recommend reading this book after reading the Hazard and Somerset series to fully understand him and his relationship with the various side characters who come into play in this book. Gray shows up in A Union of Swords and he is around throughout that arc as well as Arrows in the Hand. He also makes an appearance in The Evening Wolves, the last book in the Iron on Iron series.
And maybe keep an eye out for the future for Gray making an appearance in a future book... ;)
Thank you to the author for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2025
This book made me miss the Hazardverse so much. If a reread wouldn't completely wreck my tbr, I'd book my return trip to Wahredua right now. While I love and appreciate the cozy mystery journey GA has been on recently, as a self-proclaimed Ashochist, this is the kind of emotional gut punch I come here for.
I have never been a Gray Dulac fan. Too frat boy, too obnoxious, too much Scrappy Doo energy for me. At one point I thought he was a murderer. At another point I thought he was a stalker (jury's still out). There was never a point when I wasn't convinced that he'd wreck a certain home if given even an ounce of opportunity. So getting access to his brain was something I approached with mild hesitance and no small amount of "rubber necker" curiosity. I can't say that love Gray now, but I can say that I'm rooting for him. I'm honestly a little surprised by how much I'm rooting for him. It's amazing how much your opinion of a person can change by spending some time in their head and having a chance to understand the why's behind their actions, and Gray's why's were pretty significant.
I loved everything about this book. It was uncomfortable and dark and painfully self aware. There were no pulled punches, no censored thoughts or interactions. It was a brutally honest characterization of a person at the depths of rock bottom, but with a hopeful ending that made sense. I never thought I'd say this, but I hope to eventually see Gray get his HEA (if there is such a thing in this universe).
I have never been a Gray Dulac fan. Too frat boy, too obnoxious, too much Scrappy Doo energy for me. At one point I thought he was a murderer. At another point I thought he was a stalker (jury's still out). There was never a point when I wasn't convinced that he'd wreck a certain home if given even an ounce of opportunity. So getting access to his brain was something I approached with mild hesitance and no small amount of "rubber necker" curiosity. I can't say that love Gray now, but I can say that I'm rooting for him. I'm honestly a little surprised by how much I'm rooting for him. It's amazing how much your opinion of a person can change by spending some time in their head and having a chance to understand the why's behind their actions, and Gray's why's were pretty significant.
I loved everything about this book. It was uncomfortable and dark and painfully self aware. There were no pulled punches, no censored thoughts or interactions. It was a brutally honest characterization of a person at the depths of rock bottom, but with a hopeful ending that made sense. I never thought I'd say this, but I hope to eventually see Gray get his HEA (if there is such a thing in this universe).
June 15, 2025
3.75 rounded up
This new side story in the Hazardverse feels like orthodox Gregory Ashe in full force. It’s as if GA is unleashing all his pent-up darkness on Dulac and Darnell. Apparently, all that time spent writing cosy mysteries hasn’t softened him one bit.
The book is narrated from Dulac’s point of view in first person. As we poor souls who have read the Hollow Folk series know, GA tends to reserve first-person POV for his most trauma-laden stories—so be prepared and check the content warnings first. It’s undeniably unpleasant and disturbing for much of the story, but I still think those who have finished all the Hazard and Somerset books and love the original flavour Gregory Ashe should definitely give this a try. Just bear in mind that it doesn’t have a conventional romance subplot to offer the much-needed levity. While there’s no HEA for Dulac and Darnell by the end, it’s undoubtedly the most wholesome moment in the story, so I’d say that it did end with a touch of hope. I’m hoping GA will return to these two in the future (come on, GA, you can’t leave them in limbo like this!!).
ETA: Some afterthoughts - one of the main issues that kept me from rating this higher is that Dulac in this book felt like a new character, not the one we’ve come to know from the Hazard & Somerset series. It might have something to do with the first-person narrative (and tbh I’m not a big fan of GA’s first-person voice), but I think it’s more likely due to GA not yet having all his intricate backstory in mind when he first introduced Dulac as a side character in the Hazardverse.
The good thing is that I only have a vague memory of what Dulac was like in the main series, as it’s been a while since I last read those books, so I wasn’t as bothered by the OOC, and that’s why it still rounds up to a 4-star rating.
This new side story in the Hazardverse feels like orthodox Gregory Ashe in full force. It’s as if GA is unleashing all his pent-up darkness on Dulac and Darnell. Apparently, all that time spent writing cosy mysteries hasn’t softened him one bit.
The book is narrated from Dulac’s point of view in first person. As we poor souls who have read the Hollow Folk series know, GA tends to reserve first-person POV for his most trauma-laden stories—so be prepared and check the content warnings first. It’s undeniably unpleasant and disturbing for much of the story, but I still think those who have finished all the Hazard and Somerset books and love the original flavour Gregory Ashe should definitely give this a try. Just bear in mind that it doesn’t have a conventional romance subplot to offer the much-needed levity. While there’s no HEA for Dulac and Darnell by the end, it’s undoubtedly the most wholesome moment in the story, so I’d say that it did end with a touch of hope. I’m hoping GA will return to these two in the future (come on, GA, you can’t leave them in limbo like this!!).
ETA: Some afterthoughts - one of the main issues that kept me from rating this higher is that Dulac in this book felt like a new character, not the one we’ve come to know from the Hazard & Somerset series. It might have something to do with the first-person narrative (and tbh I’m not a big fan of GA’s first-person voice), but I think it’s more likely due to GA not yet having all his intricate backstory in mind when he first introduced Dulac as a side character in the Hazardverse.
The good thing is that I only have a vague memory of what Dulac was like in the main series, as it’s been a while since I last read those books, so I wasn’t as bothered by the OOC, and that’s why it still rounds up to a 4-star rating.
June 9, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Body Count is set in Gregory Ashe’s Hazardverse. While it is not necessary to have read every book (like I have), if you are completely unfamiliar with the name Gray Dulac, this might not be the best place to start in this world.
I knew a book about Gray Dulac told from his point of view was going to be difficult and that proved to be correct from the first to the last page. The author, who admits he writes darker books, even adds in his own warning about the content. Gray was John-Henry’s work partner in prior books and he was always good for an inappropriate comment and it was always clear there was much more behind what he showed everyone. Gray’s life is out of control. He sort of knows that, but he is in such a free fall of vaping and sex and mental health issues, he can’t find his way out. Darnell wants to take care of him, but Gray is suffocating under that type of care as well. He’s hurt and lonely and still fixated on John-Henry and there really isn’t one healthy thing about Gray. However, he can still work a case.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Body Count is set in Gregory Ashe’s Hazardverse. While it is not necessary to have read every book (like I have), if you are completely unfamiliar with the name Gray Dulac, this might not be the best place to start in this world.
I knew a book about Gray Dulac told from his point of view was going to be difficult and that proved to be correct from the first to the last page. The author, who admits he writes darker books, even adds in his own warning about the content. Gray was John-Henry’s work partner in prior books and he was always good for an inappropriate comment and it was always clear there was much more behind what he showed everyone. Gray’s life is out of control. He sort of knows that, but he is in such a free fall of vaping and sex and mental health issues, he can’t find his way out. Darnell wants to take care of him, but Gray is suffocating under that type of care as well. He’s hurt and lonely and still fixated on John-Henry and there really isn’t one healthy thing about Gray. However, he can still work a case.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
June 1, 2025
When I started reading this book I kinda felt I was in the middle of the story of Gray and Darnell. I havent read every book in this series, they looked to be standalones.
I am not sure I liked Gray very much. He had an open relationship but it was very open and he was a slut.
The main mystery was of course solved by Gray even though it was't his case making the sheriff's department look incompetent.
I am not sure I liked Gray very much. He had an open relationship but it was very open and he was a slut.
The main mystery was of course solved by Gray even though it was't his case making the sheriff's department look incompetent.
June 21, 2025
I never cared for Gray Dulac’s character and after this book my opinion really hasn’t changed. He seemed to get himself in one hot mess after another and didn’t seem to care how his actions affected both his work and his personal life.
I think my favorite part in the book was when him and John Henry hung out.
I think my favorite part in the book was when him and John Henry hung out.
August 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
•SPOILERS for Hazardverse (Hazard & Somers - Union of Swords (series 3) specifically)•
After his accident, Gray is hitting rock bottom in all the horrible ways you'd expect. After one night of drunken debauchery, he runs into a kid who's been hurt in the same ways. As he tries to find out what happened, he is sent on a spiral that makes him take a closer look at his own life and how far he has fallen.
I'll preface this whole thing by saying this is not a romance. I read the blurb which says the same thing and thought "oh Gray, he's just dramatic", but actually it's not. It's the story that Gray needs, if not the most pleasant to read at times (subject matter wise).
The book opens with a bang and then just when you think Gray has hit rock bottom, he finds a few more levels beneath it. This whole series (the Hazardverse as a whole) Gray has been the fun bro who brings shining comedic moments. The Gray we see here is gritty, bitter, flawed, and succumbing to his own hopelessness. This side of him shows how much he strives for validation - which you could tell from his personality before - but it hits different when it's paired with self-destructive coping mechanisms. When Gray is struck with the harsh reality of his life, he starts to acknowledge these behaviors and begins to understand how his abusive past has shaped who he is now - basically someone who wants approval but also believes his deserves the worst, because he's not the best (so simple, yet so complicated). After a series of catastrophic mistakes he hits a point where he just explodes with his real feelings and while it's not pretty, it's the best healing he could have. There's no easy road to climb out of the dark place he found himself in, but he gets to the point where he owns his actions and works to become better, not because he found love and happiness but because he finally see that he deserves it (well, it's a work in progress).
We have to touch on Gray's relationships. He's obviously been with Darnell who we all love (though, there were times Ashe made me second guess pretty hard this book). But we also see that while we are kinda rooting for them, they didn't have a healthy relationship at the best of times and it's only been made worse since the accident. They are two people who care greatly for one another, but they also clash in some pretty ugly ways. I really think they ended on the best, and healthiest, note that they could've. I have hopes for a platonic future for them, the love is still there but the destructive side is put to rest.
Now...Gray and John-Henry. Getting Gray's point of view, we see how seriously he...I don't want to say love, but loves John-Henry. Every time he called him "my boy" made me cringe because John-Henry is so committed to Emery and there's this level of delusion that Gray has about him. This adoration turns into a jealous hatred after the accident because Gray can't see past his own pain and feels abandoned by someone he held in such high esteem. He thinks JH has this perfect life and perfect family, when we all know JH hasn't had it easy in the months before this book (to say it simply). Gray wears these blinders when it comes to him, but as he comes to terms with everything he also accepts the relationship he has with JH for what it is. The conversation where JH talks about how similar they are (the crippling need for validation turning them into people they don't like) and how he copes with his own shortcomings really resonates with Gray. I think there will always be feelings there from Gray's side, but I'm hoping this moment shows him that their friendship is all it'll ever be.
I guess I should mentioned the case while I'm starting my Gray Dulac thesis with this book review. It was actually pretty good. There was a ton going on with Gray obviously and everything tied in so beautifully from the victims to the methods to the suspects. I really didn't know who the killer was until closer to the end. The whole case was the perfect vehicle for Gray's journey and it reflected his flaws and potential so well.
So a lot happened, a lot of feelings were had, and it was a pretty intense read in the best of ways. After every couple chapters I would go onto Ashe's patron and read the comments from when he had serialized the book on there. It was such a good time reading what everyone else was thinking as the story progressed, like a big group read. I heard mumblings about what's next for Gray and without spoiling anything I'll just say I'm ecstatic and could not be more excited for his next story. He really deserves all the love and happiness, a true partner to humble him and not play into his games and I really think he's going to find that. Now to just pace impatiently and freak out in the meantime until the next book releases!
Read if you like:
• mystery/suspense
• mental health/trauma healing
• hurt/comfort but solo
•••••••••••••••••••••
•SPOILERS for Hazardverse (Hazard & Somers - Union of Swords (series 3) specifically)•
After his accident, Gray is hitting rock bottom in all the horrible ways you'd expect. After one night of drunken debauchery, he runs into a kid who's been hurt in the same ways. As he tries to find out what happened, he is sent on a spiral that makes him take a closer look at his own life and how far he has fallen.
I'll preface this whole thing by saying this is not a romance. I read the blurb which says the same thing and thought "oh Gray, he's just dramatic", but actually it's not. It's the story that Gray needs, if not the most pleasant to read at times (subject matter wise).
The book opens with a bang and then just when you think Gray has hit rock bottom, he finds a few more levels beneath it. This whole series (the Hazardverse as a whole) Gray has been the fun bro who brings shining comedic moments. The Gray we see here is gritty, bitter, flawed, and succumbing to his own hopelessness. This side of him shows how much he strives for validation - which you could tell from his personality before - but it hits different when it's paired with self-destructive coping mechanisms. When Gray is struck with the harsh reality of his life, he starts to acknowledge these behaviors and begins to understand how his abusive past has shaped who he is now - basically someone who wants approval but also believes his deserves the worst, because he's not the best (so simple, yet so complicated). After a series of catastrophic mistakes he hits a point where he just explodes with his real feelings and while it's not pretty, it's the best healing he could have. There's no easy road to climb out of the dark place he found himself in, but he gets to the point where he owns his actions and works to become better, not because he found love and happiness but because he finally see that he deserves it (well, it's a work in progress).
We have to touch on Gray's relationships. He's obviously been with Darnell who we all love (though, there were times Ashe made me second guess pretty hard this book). But we also see that while we are kinda rooting for them, they didn't have a healthy relationship at the best of times and it's only been made worse since the accident. They are two people who care greatly for one another, but they also clash in some pretty ugly ways. I really think they ended on the best, and healthiest, note that they could've. I have hopes for a platonic future for them, the love is still there but the destructive side is put to rest.
Now...Gray and John-Henry. Getting Gray's point of view, we see how seriously he...I don't want to say love, but loves John-Henry. Every time he called him "my boy" made me cringe because John-Henry is so committed to Emery and there's this level of delusion that Gray has about him. This adoration turns into a jealous hatred after the accident because Gray can't see past his own pain and feels abandoned by someone he held in such high esteem. He thinks JH has this perfect life and perfect family, when we all know JH hasn't had it easy in the months before this book (to say it simply). Gray wears these blinders when it comes to him, but as he comes to terms with everything he also accepts the relationship he has with JH for what it is. The conversation where JH talks about how similar they are (the crippling need for validation turning them into people they don't like) and how he copes with his own shortcomings really resonates with Gray. I think there will always be feelings there from Gray's side, but I'm hoping this moment shows him that their friendship is all it'll ever be.
I guess I should mentioned the case while I'm starting my Gray Dulac thesis with this book review. It was actually pretty good. There was a ton going on with Gray obviously and everything tied in so beautifully from the victims to the methods to the suspects. I really didn't know who the killer was until closer to the end. The whole case was the perfect vehicle for Gray's journey and it reflected his flaws and potential so well.
So a lot happened, a lot of feelings were had, and it was a pretty intense read in the best of ways. After every couple chapters I would go onto Ashe's patron and read the comments from when he had serialized the book on there. It was such a good time reading what everyone else was thinking as the story progressed, like a big group read. I heard mumblings about what's next for Gray and without spoiling anything I'll just say I'm ecstatic and could not be more excited for his next story. He really deserves all the love and happiness, a true partner to humble him and not play into his games and I really think he's going to find that. Now to just pace impatiently and freak out in the meantime until the next book releases!
Read if you like:
• mystery/suspense
• mental health/trauma healing
• hurt/comfort but solo
•••••••••••••••••••••
December 1, 2025
De todos los personajes secundarios, Dulac no está ni de cerca entre mis favoritos jajaja no lo odio, pero tampoco me interesa mucho. Así que entré sin saber qué esperar de este personaje. Solo tenía algunas ideas en base al final de la saga 3 de Hazard y Somers.
Debo decir que me gustó su libro, más allá de si me cae bien o no Dulac, creo que su historia es potente e importante. Toca varios temas serios, difíciles de digerir y hasta frustrantes. Pero cuando una persona está enfocada en destruir su vida, es normal querer agarrarlos de los hombros y decirles que despierten y vean la destrucción que dejan a su paso.
Me alegro que Dulac pudiera encontrar la forma de darse cuenta de lo que estaba pasando con él mismo, y que quiera mejorar. Me alegro que la terapeuta logró romper con ese muro que pone Dulac. Creo que ahora con su arc de redención (estoy suponiendo que tendremos otro libro de este personaje), Dulac va a presentar una trama muy interesante de leer. Y quién lo diría, quiero leer eso.
Este libro le entregó más dimensión a Dulac y lo saca de su apariencia de fuckboy desastroso que solo sabe decir cosas inapropiadas.
Y aquí vienen spoilers, avance con cuidado:
Debo decir que me gustó su libro, más allá de si me cae bien o no Dulac, creo que su historia es potente e importante. Toca varios temas serios, difíciles de digerir y hasta frustrantes. Pero cuando una persona está enfocada en destruir su vida, es normal querer agarrarlos de los hombros y decirles que despierten y vean la destrucción que dejan a su paso.
Me alegro que Dulac pudiera encontrar la forma de darse cuenta de lo que estaba pasando con él mismo, y que quiera mejorar. Me alegro que la terapeuta logró romper con ese muro que pone Dulac. Creo que ahora con su arc de redención (estoy suponiendo que tendremos otro libro de este personaje), Dulac va a presentar una trama muy interesante de leer. Y quién lo diría, quiero leer eso.
Este libro le entregó más dimensión a Dulac y lo saca de su apariencia de fuckboy desastroso que solo sabe decir cosas inapropiadas.
Y aquí vienen spoilers, avance con cuidado:
May 28, 2025
Well, this one is a very, very dark book, and you'll be aware of that from the first scene . Gray Dulac is, indeed, in a very dark place, and it keeps getting darker for a very long while.
It's not news that I didn't like him in the previous books, and by the end of this one, I won't say that I like him, but I do understand him a lot better. And he even has my begrudging respect for how he decides to go forward with his life.
Because this is the thing with this book: it is a mystery (and a very good one!), but mostly, it's Dulac's journey to understand himself and to be a better person.
Getting to know about his upbringing, about the trauma he went through growing up, brings a lot of light on why he became the man we knew in The Rational Faculty.
This story is an emotional downspiral; it's gritty, painful, and hard to read, but it's also so wonderfully written that you can't stop reading. At least, I couldn't.
One thing that surprised me was how less I liked Darnell this time around. Part of it was because I hate when people talk to me like we're at a counsellor's office: 'what I'm hearing is...' Argh! So, yes, every time Darnell tried to be supportive, I loathed it and I was, automatically, on Gray's side *shakes head in awe*. Furthermore, offering one Xanax to your partner every time things get heated is not a particularly good practice. Just saying...
But there was also something shady about him and the way he acted. We later get an explanation about this, but... I don't know, I'm not fully convinced. I think Gary was right about his suspicions. And he was the one who broke the rules, let's not forget that!
I liked how invested Gray is in the case, how he can't let go of it, because nobody cared what happened to this kid. No matter how many issues he has, he's still a cop, and a good one when he gets his head out of the gutter,and stop checking his adds.
In short *blushes*: did I enjoy the story? I can't say that I did. This is not the kind of story that you enjoy, it's the kind of story in which you suffer through it along with the main character. But the painful ride is worthwhile, you get your reward by the end. It's greatly plotted, as usual is with Ashe's books, the characters are vivid, realistic, emotionally-driven, deeply flawed... human. Some are despicable, some are simply agonizingly naive, and some of them manage to get over their flaws and fears by pure stubbornness and will.
And, if you have read the books in the Hazardverse, it has the added bonus of bringing understanding for one of the characters that, to me at least, was less than appealing.
This is another brilliant book by Ashe, and if you're not afraid of the dark, you should certainly read it.
It's not news that I didn't like him in the previous books, and by the end of this one, I won't say that I like him, but I do understand him a lot better. And he even has my begrudging respect for how he decides to go forward with his life.
Because this is the thing with this book: it is a mystery (and a very good one!), but mostly, it's Dulac's journey to understand himself and to be a better person.
Getting to know about his upbringing, about the trauma he went through growing up, brings a lot of light on why he became the man we knew in The Rational Faculty.
This story is an emotional downspiral; it's gritty, painful, and hard to read, but it's also so wonderfully written that you can't stop reading. At least, I couldn't.
One thing that surprised me was how less I liked Darnell this time around. Part of it was because I hate when people talk to me like we're at a counsellor's office: 'what I'm hearing is...' Argh! So, yes, every time Darnell tried to be supportive, I loathed it and I was, automatically, on Gray's side *shakes head in awe*. Furthermore, offering one Xanax to your partner every time things get heated is not a particularly good practice. Just saying...
But there was also something shady about him and the way he acted. We later get an explanation about this, but... I don't know, I'm not fully convinced. I think Gary was right about his suspicions. And he was the one who broke the rules, let's not forget that!
I liked how invested Gray is in the case, how he can't let go of it, because nobody cared what happened to this kid. No matter how many issues he has, he's still a cop, and a good one when he gets his head out of the gutter,
In short *blushes*: did I enjoy the story? I can't say that I did. This is not the kind of story that you enjoy, it's the kind of story in which you suffer through it along with the main character. But the painful ride is worthwhile, you get your reward by the end. It's greatly plotted, as usual is with Ashe's books, the characters are vivid, realistic, emotionally-driven, deeply flawed... human. Some are despicable, some are simply agonizingly naive, and some of them manage to get over their flaws and fears by pure stubbornness and will.
And, if you have read the books in the Hazardverse, it has the added bonus of bringing understanding for one of the characters that, to me at least, was less than appealing.
This is another brilliant book by Ashe, and if you're not afraid of the dark, you should certainly read it.
June 30, 2025
Reviewed for Rainbow Gold Reviews. A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Despite the blurb, and despite the author’s warning, there was a part of me that hoped there was some romantic element to this story. At the very least, I expected the relationship between Gray Dulac and his boyfriend Darnell to be as it was in the Hazard and Somerset books. Which was ,admittedly, a little foggy for me since Gray was a background character I never really knew how I should feel about. I think I am just a hopeless romantic when it comes to book characters, I’m always looking for the happy ending.
It seems there were more foggy things for me about Gray. I don’t know if I can’t remember if the accident that left Gray with scars occurred in a previous book or if took place off page and is only relevant to his own story. Either way, there was some explanation so I didn’t feel completely lost.
Gray Dulac who once partnered with John Henry Somerset on the Wahredua police force is a lot more complicated in his own story. The man who once tried to be best friends with Somerset is now bitter, drug-addicted, and reckless. After going to a party and getting high, Gray runs into a young man, Thomas/Trip, who has been attacked with a bottle and has a gash on his face. Though there is no connection between Gray’s injury and Trip’s, Gray can’t help but relate to him. He gets involved in the case even though it’s not assigned to him.
Like Gregory Ashe’s other books, the mystery of who attacked Tip and then who murdered him is very complicated. Trip’s family hates that he is gay. His on-again/off-again boyfriend, Jordan, who has a body count pool with his roommate, Rory, wants the relationship to stay on. Then there is the powerful and wealthy Sunny who likes to hurt the people he sleeps with. So many suspects, and the most shocking one I’ll leave you to discover. The murder does get solved, but it is crazy how much trouble Gray gets in trying to solve it.
Back to my beginning statement, I had hoped for a romance, but this author definitely knew his character better. Gray’s behaviors in this book are cries for help. I thought Darnell was kind of a paragon in the previous books dealing with Gray, but I learned he is also very flawed. There is a part of me that hopes that after time, when Gray learns to love himself and feels he can stand on his own that he might find his way to Darnell again. I think both of them truly had love for each other, but they also have some internal work to do. If not Darnell, I would still love to find out Gray does get his happy every after in a follow up book. Until then, I was drawn in by the mystery and I am really happy that Gray is working to be happy for now.
Not to be forgotten is the narration by Greg Tremblay. He is one of my very favorites who always does a great job bringing the characters to life.
Despite the blurb, and despite the author’s warning, there was a part of me that hoped there was some romantic element to this story. At the very least, I expected the relationship between Gray Dulac and his boyfriend Darnell to be as it was in the Hazard and Somerset books. Which was ,admittedly, a little foggy for me since Gray was a background character I never really knew how I should feel about. I think I am just a hopeless romantic when it comes to book characters, I’m always looking for the happy ending.
It seems there were more foggy things for me about Gray. I don’t know if I can’t remember if the accident that left Gray with scars occurred in a previous book or if took place off page and is only relevant to his own story. Either way, there was some explanation so I didn’t feel completely lost.
Gray Dulac who once partnered with John Henry Somerset on the Wahredua police force is a lot more complicated in his own story. The man who once tried to be best friends with Somerset is now bitter, drug-addicted, and reckless. After going to a party and getting high, Gray runs into a young man, Thomas/Trip, who has been attacked with a bottle and has a gash on his face. Though there is no connection between Gray’s injury and Trip’s, Gray can’t help but relate to him. He gets involved in the case even though it’s not assigned to him.
Like Gregory Ashe’s other books, the mystery of who attacked Tip and then who murdered him is very complicated. Trip’s family hates that he is gay. His on-again/off-again boyfriend, Jordan, who has a body count pool with his roommate, Rory, wants the relationship to stay on. Then there is the powerful and wealthy Sunny who likes to hurt the people he sleeps with. So many suspects, and the most shocking one I’ll leave you to discover. The murder does get solved, but it is crazy how much trouble Gray gets in trying to solve it.
Back to my beginning statement, I had hoped for a romance, but this author definitely knew his character better. Gray’s behaviors in this book are cries for help. I thought Darnell was kind of a paragon in the previous books dealing with Gray, but I learned he is also very flawed. There is a part of me that hopes that after time, when Gray learns to love himself and feels he can stand on his own that he might find his way to Darnell again. I think both of them truly had love for each other, but they also have some internal work to do. If not Darnell, I would still love to find out Gray does get his happy every after in a follow up book. Until then, I was drawn in by the mystery and I am really happy that Gray is working to be happy for now.
Not to be forgotten is the narration by Greg Tremblay. He is one of my very favorites who always does a great job bringing the characters to life.
June 24, 2025
Gregory Ashe's excursion into CozyLand has been enjoyable enough, but my goodness was I glad to find him back in his usual haunts, or at least usual-adjacent: as the author promised in his newsletter announcing "Body Count," this is a bleak, frightening mystery and in no way a romance.
Gray Dulac, fuckboi LEO, calling every male in his vicinity "bro" and coming on to most of them,almost insufferable, trying the patience of his saintly boyfriend Darnell, is not, since his face got ripped to pieces by a lightbulb bomb in I don't remember offhand which Hazard & Somerset book, doing so well. "Body Count" treats us to this unmitigated annoyance's story, and if you have been thinking of Gray as an overgrown adolescent dog, feeling sorry for him because of the mutilation, but not super interested in the inside of his head, then I have news for you: there is a lot more to Gray Dulac than any of us knew.
"How does Greg Ashe do it?": my inner refrain whenever I'm reading his books, even the less successful ones. In the case of "Body Count," how he does it is by plunging us straight into Gray's head -- this is a first-person narrative -- and by supplying, for an opening scene, a consensual but degrading gangbang starring Gray as the bottom. (This is not degradation as a mutually agreed-on kink: the contempt and devaluation to which the tops subject Gray is 100% genuine.)
And then, on Gray's way out of the party at which the gangbang takes place, a young man staggers into his path who has a faceful of blood because he's suffered mutilating wounds. The sheriff's deputies investigating this case are two malignant idiots we've met before in the H&S series, so naturally Gray begins his own investigation, and things go downhill from there.
Not gonna lie, I had to take a pause a third of the way through this book, read a bunch of other things, and then gird my loins before going back, because things got so bad they presented a challenge even to a hardened Greg Ashe fan like me. Once I started up again, though, I could. not. stop. till I was done, clinging the entire time to the implicit promise of every first-person narrative that at least the protagonist will survive to the end.
Gray does better than survive, but note that I didn't give this any version of an HEA/HFN tag, just the "hopeful ending" one. GA says in his acknowledgments that one of his early readers suggested a part 2 and that he agrees it's needed. Seconded, thirded, fourth: whatever it takes, I really, really want to see the damn thing.
Thanks to GA for the ARC, disclaimer disclaimer, etc.
Gray Dulac, fuckboi LEO, calling every male in his vicinity "bro" and coming on to most of them,
"How does Greg Ashe do it?": my inner refrain whenever I'm reading his books, even the less successful ones. In the case of "Body Count," how he does it is by plunging us straight into Gray's head -- this is a first-person narrative -- and by supplying, for an opening scene, a consensual but degrading gangbang starring Gray as the bottom. (This is not degradation as a mutually agreed-on kink: the contempt and devaluation to which the tops subject Gray is 100% genuine.)
And then, on Gray's way out of the party at which the gangbang takes place, a young man staggers into his path who has a faceful of blood because he's suffered mutilating wounds. The sheriff's deputies investigating this case are two malignant idiots we've met before in the H&S series, so naturally Gray begins his own investigation, and things go downhill from there.
Not gonna lie, I had to take a pause a third of the way through this book, read a bunch of other things, and then gird my loins before going back, because things got so bad they presented a challenge even to a hardened Greg Ashe fan like me. Once I started up again, though, I could. not. stop. till I was done, clinging the entire time to the implicit promise of every first-person narrative that at least the protagonist will survive to the end.
Gray does better than survive, but note that I didn't give this any version of an HEA/HFN tag, just the "hopeful ending" one. GA says in his acknowledgments that one of his early readers suggested a part 2 and that he agrees it's needed. Seconded, thirded, fourth: whatever it takes, I really, really want to see the damn thing.
Thanks to GA for the ARC, disclaimer disclaimer, etc.
May 20, 2025
This one will definitely go on my GA favourite
Gray Dulac is seriously messed-up. It's not cute, it's harrowing. This is a long walk along a very dark tunnel. As usual, GA doesn't shy away from the difficult scenes, he doesn't spare us. Yet, nothing is gratuitous, everything brings us to a better understanding of Gray Dulac.
If you're like me a fiend for the H&S series, you must have wondered more than once wth was going on in Dulac's head. He was an enigma. He divided the fans, some liked him, some hated him. I was firmly in the second camp. I was mad at him for pushing John to join him in his self destructive ride.
And yet, the beauty of GA's talent is that almost from page 1 of Body Count, all I felt for Gray was empathy. This is a man who is suffering, not just from the aftermath of a terrorist attack that left him disfigured and traumatised, but also from consequences of an abusive childhood. He's on a mission of self destruction, one bad decision at a time.
This is not an easy read, it hurts to see Gray setting fire to his life like that. What's worse is that part of him realises it's happening, he just can't seem to care. However, and this is very important, it is not a hard read either. Of course I don't mean to ignore the trigger warnings but in truth, I found that Gray's voice, his detachment and especially his sense of humour make it all bearable.
The second part of the story sees Gray fight back and (literally) claw himself out of a hole. The ride then turns exhilarating, each chapter has you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath for paragraphs at a time. The investigation is riveting and shocking, there's a lot of action and suspense. Things are finally leaving the status quo, Gray is breaking out of his bad coping mechanisms and this gives us a sense of freedom, of hope that's like the best high. He's still a mess, there's no miracle but he's a mess who's taking control. And it's the best feeling.
GA doesn't give us a HEA in this one, you'll have to read "Soft Launch" for that but the book still leaves Gray out of the tunnel. There is hope and as he says it himself "he'll be alright".
With this book, GA is fully back in H&S territory, displaying great character study and a beautifully crafted story but even by GA standards I was blown away by his implacable writing.
It's a "Do not miss" for me.
Gray Dulac is seriously messed-up. It's not cute, it's harrowing. This is a long walk along a very dark tunnel. As usual, GA doesn't shy away from the difficult scenes, he doesn't spare us. Yet, nothing is gratuitous, everything brings us to a better understanding of Gray Dulac.
If you're like me a fiend for the H&S series, you must have wondered more than once wth was going on in Dulac's head. He was an enigma. He divided the fans, some liked him, some hated him. I was firmly in the second camp. I was mad at him for pushing John to join him in his self destructive ride.
And yet, the beauty of GA's talent is that almost from page 1 of Body Count, all I felt for Gray was empathy. This is a man who is suffering, not just from the aftermath of a terrorist attack that left him disfigured and traumatised, but also from consequences of an abusive childhood. He's on a mission of self destruction, one bad decision at a time.
This is not an easy read, it hurts to see Gray setting fire to his life like that. What's worse is that part of him realises it's happening, he just can't seem to care. However, and this is very important, it is not a hard read either. Of course I don't mean to ignore the trigger warnings but in truth, I found that Gray's voice, his detachment and especially his sense of humour make it all bearable.
The second part of the story sees Gray fight back and (literally) claw himself out of a hole. The ride then turns exhilarating, each chapter has you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath for paragraphs at a time. The investigation is riveting and shocking, there's a lot of action and suspense. Things are finally leaving the status quo, Gray is breaking out of his bad coping mechanisms and this gives us a sense of freedom, of hope that's like the best high. He's still a mess, there's no miracle but he's a mess who's taking control. And it's the best feeling.
GA doesn't give us a HEA in this one, you'll have to read "Soft Launch" for that but the book still leaves Gray out of the tunnel. There is hope and as he says it himself "he'll be alright".
With this book, GA is fully back in H&S territory, displaying great character study and a beautifully crafted story but even by GA standards I was blown away by his implacable writing.
It's a "Do not miss" for me.
June 1, 2025
I still remember how viscerally annoyed I was when we met Dulac for the first time in the H&S series. Somers had traded Hazard for Dulac, and I thought, "That was surely a bad writing decision to make."
And, of course, I was wrong, because Ashe is a genius when it comes to characters. As the H&S series continued, I started to really, really love Dulac. And I really, really liked this--his--story.
(So, one of the limiting factors here is that it's been a couple of years since I read the last H&S stories, and I have no memory of what happened in them. For example, I can't remember what happened to . And even worse, I can't remember how, Dulac ended up being victim of the lightbulb bomb.
Still, that didn't detract from BODY COUNT. The thing I love most about Ashe's stories is how he doesn't shy away from the ugly. And this story was so fucking ugly. Dulac is a mess, and he does some really, really fucked up shit (and has some really, really fucked up shit happen to him). This is the most visceral and raw story in the H&S universe by far, and yet, at no point does it ever feel gratuitous. The themes here are vivid and so well written; they're subtle but still stark. Ashe has a way of blending literary-level writing with commercial entertainment. It's accessible but still--very much--art.
The fascinating thing about BODY COUNT, the thing that separates it from the other H&S stories, is that the H&S stories have a pretty even 50/50 split between ugly and heart-warming. BODY COUNT, however, has very, very few heartwarming moments (the talk with is probably the only bright spot in the story) and yet, it still felt very meaningful and well-handled. Whereas Hazard and Somers have ups and downs, Dulac slogs through a nadir and we just barely see him start to climb out of it, and that should have made this story feel tedious, but that was never the case.
Anyway, I love the ending, and I really, really want to see him get a second novel. When I first met him as the entitled asshole who demanded that Somers get him a coffee, I would have never guessed that I would be so invested in his character growth.
So yeah, this gets 5 stars from me.
And, of course, I was wrong, because Ashe is a genius when it comes to characters. As the H&S series continued, I started to really, really love Dulac. And I really, really liked this--his--story.
(So, one of the limiting factors here is that it's been a couple of years since I read the last H&S stories, and I have no memory of what happened in them. For example, I can't remember what happened to . And even worse, I can't remember how, Dulac ended up being victim of the lightbulb bomb.
Still, that didn't detract from BODY COUNT. The thing I love most about Ashe's stories is how he doesn't shy away from the ugly. And this story was so fucking ugly. Dulac is a mess, and he does some really, really fucked up shit (and has some really, really fucked up shit happen to him). This is the most visceral and raw story in the H&S universe by far, and yet, at no point does it ever feel gratuitous. The themes here are vivid and so well written; they're subtle but still stark. Ashe has a way of blending literary-level writing with commercial entertainment. It's accessible but still--very much--art.
The fascinating thing about BODY COUNT, the thing that separates it from the other H&S stories, is that the H&S stories have a pretty even 50/50 split between ugly and heart-warming. BODY COUNT, however, has very, very few heartwarming moments (the talk with is probably the only bright spot in the story) and yet, it still felt very meaningful and well-handled. Whereas Hazard and Somers have ups and downs, Dulac slogs through a nadir and we just barely see him start to climb out of it, and that should have made this story feel tedious, but that was never the case.
Anyway, I love the ending, and I really, really want to see him get a second novel. When I first met him as the entitled asshole who demanded that Somers get him a coffee, I would have never guessed that I would be so invested in his character growth.
So yeah, this gets 5 stars from me.
May 10, 2025
Body Count is not an easy book. It’s dark, emotionally harrowing, and at times genuinely difficult to get through—especially if, like me, you’ve always had a soft spot for Gray Dulac. In this novel, Gregory Ashe takes Dulac—often a source of chaos, wit, and over-the-top antics—and strips him down to his rawest, most broken state.
After a horrific injury caused by a lightbulb bomb leaves Gray permanently scarred, both physically and psychologically, we find him in a downward spiral. He can’t even bring himself to touch a light switch, let alone confront the emotional devastation of his trauma. His coping mechanisms are self-destructive: substance abuse, meaningless hookups, and a relentless search for validation in all the wrong places. It's a brutally honest portrayal of PTSD, self-loathing, and identity fracture.
The plot kicks off when Gray, at a party and very much not okay, encounters a young man with injuries eerily similar to his own. Despite being far outside his jurisdiction, he’s drawn into a deeply unsettling investigation—one that mirrors his inner turmoil. The case, and the people involved, are tangled in the same shadows that now seem to define Dulac’s existence.
Fans of Ashe’s usual balance of mystery, emotional intimacy and humour may be shocked by the unrelenting darkness here. The tone is bleak, and this book isn’t for everyone. There are also serious trigger warnings, including elements of dubious consent, which are important for readers to be aware of going in.
That said, as someone who has always been a fan of Dulac’s frat-bro flair and (admittedly stupid) humour —even when others didn’t—I found Body Count to be a necessary, if painful, chapter in his story. This isn’t the Dulac everyone knows and loves/hates, but it’s a version of him that makes sense in the wake of what he’s endured. I'm hoping that by witnessing here where he appears to be at his lowest, we’ll also get to see him climb back to himself.
Thank you, as always, to the author for an ARC of this book.
After a horrific injury caused by a lightbulb bomb leaves Gray permanently scarred, both physically and psychologically, we find him in a downward spiral. He can’t even bring himself to touch a light switch, let alone confront the emotional devastation of his trauma. His coping mechanisms are self-destructive: substance abuse, meaningless hookups, and a relentless search for validation in all the wrong places. It's a brutally honest portrayal of PTSD, self-loathing, and identity fracture.
The plot kicks off when Gray, at a party and very much not okay, encounters a young man with injuries eerily similar to his own. Despite being far outside his jurisdiction, he’s drawn into a deeply unsettling investigation—one that mirrors his inner turmoil. The case, and the people involved, are tangled in the same shadows that now seem to define Dulac’s existence.
Fans of Ashe’s usual balance of mystery, emotional intimacy and humour may be shocked by the unrelenting darkness here. The tone is bleak, and this book isn’t for everyone. There are also serious trigger warnings, including elements of dubious consent, which are important for readers to be aware of going in.
That said, as someone who has always been a fan of Dulac’s frat-bro flair and (admittedly stupid) humour —even when others didn’t—I found Body Count to be a necessary, if painful, chapter in his story. This isn’t the Dulac everyone knows and loves/hates, but it’s a version of him that makes sense in the wake of what he’s endured. I'm hoping that by witnessing here where he appears to be at his lowest, we’ll also get to see him climb back to himself.
Thank you, as always, to the author for an ARC of this book.
May 20, 2025
Gregory Ashe has a remarkable talent for blending genres—mystery, romance, humor—often all within the same narrative. Yet one of the most impressive things about his writing is that even when he strips those elements away, his work remains just as compelling. Whether he’s toning down the intensity, as in The Last Picks series, or stepping away from mystery entirely, as in The Kiss Principle, Ashe’s stories are grounded by something deeper: his ability to craft complex, deeply human characters.
Body Count is a darker, more introspective novel, and a departure from some of Ashe’s lighter or more romantic fare. While the mystery is a significant part of the story—as the synopsis suggests—this book is not a romance, nor does it lean on humor. Instead, it focuses on Gray Dulac’s emotional journey, his self-discovery, and the beginnings of his healing. It’s a difficult read at times, unflinching in its portrayal of trauma and grief, but that honesty is exactly what makes it powerful.
As a longtime fan of the Hazard and Somerset universe, I loved revisiting that world from a new angle. Despite the darkness, there’s something hopeful in Gray’s story—a sense that healing is possible, even if it’s slow and painful.
Body Count may not be for readers looking for a love story or a light read, but for those drawn to richly developed characters and emotionally resonant storytelling, it’s a standout. I’m deeply invested in Gray’s journey and look forward to seeing where Ashe takes him next.
Body Count is a darker, more introspective novel, and a departure from some of Ashe’s lighter or more romantic fare. While the mystery is a significant part of the story—as the synopsis suggests—this book is not a romance, nor does it lean on humor. Instead, it focuses on Gray Dulac’s emotional journey, his self-discovery, and the beginnings of his healing. It’s a difficult read at times, unflinching in its portrayal of trauma and grief, but that honesty is exactly what makes it powerful.
As a longtime fan of the Hazard and Somerset universe, I loved revisiting that world from a new angle. Despite the darkness, there’s something hopeful in Gray’s story—a sense that healing is possible, even if it’s slow and painful.
Body Count may not be for readers looking for a love story or a light read, but for those drawn to richly developed characters and emotionally resonant storytelling, it’s a standout. I’m deeply invested in Gray’s journey and look forward to seeing where Ashe takes him next.
June 18, 2025
One of Ashe's darker outings, Body Count focuses on Gray Dulac, the boyishly charming detective paired with Somers in the "A Union of Swords" series.
Gray's a divisive character in the Hazard and Somers series, with some finding him irritating and others (like me) finding him hilarious. And while there are hints at a darker undercurrent in those books, such as his obsession with Somers, his drinking, and his fractious relationship with Darnell, Gray mostly provides comedic relief.
It's fascinating (and sad) to hear his inner voice as he wrestles with the aftermath of the bombing that left him scarred, both physically and mentally. He's a compelling narrator (and his own worst enemy). Here, we witness Gray entangle himself in the case of a young man with a parallel facial injury. He's determined to understand the truth and there's seriousness to this Gray that we haven't seen before even as he engages in reckless act after reckless act both in his pursuit of answers and to escape his traumas.
I read this first as a patrons-only serial and was struck each week by its brutality. Gray's self-loathing and ability to self-destruct are harrowing to read about, as his utterly toxic dynamic with Darnell. A reread of the Hazard and Somers books brought home that Gray and Darnell have been struggling for a long-time, and Body Count brought to the forefront how malignant their relationship really is.
I found the mystery fairly intriguing, but was more engaged by Gray's narrative voice and by watching him grow. Body Count is perhaps too bleak for a reread, though as a patron, getting to follow it up with the completely lovely Soft Launch helped.
All-in-all, a solid 4 star outing.
Gray's a divisive character in the Hazard and Somers series, with some finding him irritating and others (like me) finding him hilarious. And while there are hints at a darker undercurrent in those books, such as his obsession with Somers, his drinking, and his fractious relationship with Darnell, Gray mostly provides comedic relief.
It's fascinating (and sad) to hear his inner voice as he wrestles with the aftermath of the bombing that left him scarred, both physically and mentally. He's a compelling narrator (and his own worst enemy). Here, we witness Gray entangle himself in the case of a young man with a parallel facial injury. He's determined to understand the truth and there's seriousness to this Gray that we haven't seen before even as he engages in reckless act after reckless act both in his pursuit of answers and to escape his traumas.
I read this first as a patrons-only serial and was struck each week by its brutality. Gray's self-loathing and ability to self-destruct are harrowing to read about, as his utterly toxic dynamic with Darnell. A reread of the Hazard and Somers books brought home that Gray and Darnell have been struggling for a long-time, and Body Count brought to the forefront how malignant their relationship really is.
I found the mystery fairly intriguing, but was more engaged by Gray's narrative voice and by watching him grow. Body Count is perhaps too bleak for a reread, though as a patron, getting to follow it up with the completely lovely Soft Launch helped.
All-in-all, a solid 4 star outing.
July 2, 2025
Beautifully Messed Up (an audio review)
I love Gregory Ashe books and Hazadverse ones are quickly becoming my favorites. Hazard and Somerset books are amazing, but they have all these secondary characters who have stories of their own that need to be told. Gray is one of those characters.
So…he’s messed up. Truly a disaster area. His injury has left him with visible scars that make people want to turn away. Of course that makes me want to hug him more. And man, does he need a hug. He has his partner Darnell – who Gray barely deserves – but few other people in his life.
When he comes across an injured young man – with injuries similar to what he suffered, Gray is moved. He wants to find the perpetrator, even if the young man doesn’t seem nearly as invested. The young man disappears, and then turns up dead. Gray is now sucked into the mystery, even though it isn’t his jurisdiction.
This is a dark book. I mean, most of Gregory’s books are, but this one is dark in a painful way. There are no happy endings, roses, and flowers. Gray almost doesn’t survive the chaos of both the case and his life. There is a glimmer at the end. Something that gave me hope. I certainly want to see more of him.
Greg Tremblay narrated this story. That he’s using that name is a clue to the content of the book. It’s Greg Boudreaux if it’s a romance. It’s Greg Tremblay if its not. You’d have to search pretty damn hard to find anything romantic here. Greg’s delivery is perfect. The book, dark as it is, is also perfect in its own way. Looking forward to more!
I love Gregory Ashe books and Hazadverse ones are quickly becoming my favorites. Hazard and Somerset books are amazing, but they have all these secondary characters who have stories of their own that need to be told. Gray is one of those characters.
So…he’s messed up. Truly a disaster area. His injury has left him with visible scars that make people want to turn away. Of course that makes me want to hug him more. And man, does he need a hug. He has his partner Darnell – who Gray barely deserves – but few other people in his life.
When he comes across an injured young man – with injuries similar to what he suffered, Gray is moved. He wants to find the perpetrator, even if the young man doesn’t seem nearly as invested. The young man disappears, and then turns up dead. Gray is now sucked into the mystery, even though it isn’t his jurisdiction.
This is a dark book. I mean, most of Gregory’s books are, but this one is dark in a painful way. There are no happy endings, roses, and flowers. Gray almost doesn’t survive the chaos of both the case and his life. There is a glimmer at the end. Something that gave me hope. I certainly want to see more of him.
Greg Tremblay narrated this story. That he’s using that name is a clue to the content of the book. It’s Greg Boudreaux if it’s a romance. It’s Greg Tremblay if its not. You’d have to search pretty damn hard to find anything romantic here. Greg’s delivery is perfect. The book, dark as it is, is also perfect in its own way. Looking forward to more!
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