What do you think?
Rate this book
The Haszard Narratives #3
Phoenix from the Flame: A Haszard Narrative
When told by a friend that she saw her dead husband alive and well, and walking around a market town, Haszard agrees to look into the matter. As he makes progress, he realises that there is more to it than merely someone supposedly coming back from the dead.
With another matter also to look into, life becomes full, yet utilising the help of his friends, he discovers a dark secret, but there are people who will stop at nothing and aren't afraid of resorting to murder . . .
This is the third in the Haszard series of crime/mystery/black comedy narratives. Although they run in sequence, it isn't necessary to read them in order.
This story sees the growing relationship between Haszard and Sabrina, along with their friend Ed Loughmann, whose cynical outlook provides much of the humour. It also sees the first proper appearance of Grace, who delivers humour of a lighter nature. Cricket playing, and tea and ale drinking Haszard is quintessentially English non-hero-type character, and although seemingly clever, tends to bumble his way through, often relying on his friends.
As with the second Haszard tale, there is more than one problem for Haszard to deal with, and his problem-solving skills are at their best.
Phoenix from the Flame isn't a whodunit as such; it's a case of Haszard unearthing the truth behind events, and discovering the truth of what's been going on, and attempting to deliver a solution and some justice. The aim of the series is to provide intrigue, suspense and humour, with the reader getting to know the characters.
The Haszard series isn't a traditional crime or detective series, and has been described as refreshing by several critics.
With another matter also to look into, life becomes full, yet utilising the help of his friends, he discovers a dark secret, but there are people who will stop at nothing and aren't afraid of resorting to murder . . .
This is the third in the Haszard series of crime/mystery/black comedy narratives. Although they run in sequence, it isn't necessary to read them in order.
This story sees the growing relationship between Haszard and Sabrina, along with their friend Ed Loughmann, whose cynical outlook provides much of the humour. It also sees the first proper appearance of Grace, who delivers humour of a lighter nature. Cricket playing, and tea and ale drinking Haszard is quintessentially English non-hero-type character, and although seemingly clever, tends to bumble his way through, often relying on his friends.
As with the second Haszard tale, there is more than one problem for Haszard to deal with, and his problem-solving skills are at their best.
Phoenix from the Flame isn't a whodunit as such; it's a case of Haszard unearthing the truth behind events, and discovering the truth of what's been going on, and attempting to deliver a solution and some justice. The aim of the series is to provide intrigue, suspense and humour, with the reader getting to know the characters.
The Haszard series isn't a traditional crime or detective series, and has been described as refreshing by several critics.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2014
2 people want to read
About the author
Kevin E. Hatt
9 books27 followersKevin E. Hatt is a registered operating department practitioner of many years experience.
His love of writing began when he was at school, but on leaving, he didn't write anything more until 1984, when he was inspired by the Lovejoy narratives by Jonathan Gash.
After completing two stories, they were chucked to the back of a cupboard whilst he pursued his other love - that of painting, and there they remained until 2009, when they were resurrected and brought up to date.
Since then, Kevin has completed eighteen of his black comedy Haszard narratives, plus three stories in another series - The DI Bellamy cases, which are more traditional police dramas. To date, two Haszard books have been released, but with so many more to follow, this is only the tip of the iceberg. At present, there is no release date set for the first of the Bellamy tales.
When not writing, Kevin enjoys cricket, running, real ales and decent curries.
His love of writing began when he was at school, but on leaving, he didn't write anything more until 1984, when he was inspired by the Lovejoy narratives by Jonathan Gash.
After completing two stories, they were chucked to the back of a cupboard whilst he pursued his other love - that of painting, and there they remained until 2009, when they were resurrected and brought up to date.
Since then, Kevin has completed eighteen of his black comedy Haszard narratives, plus three stories in another series - The DI Bellamy cases, which are more traditional police dramas. To date, two Haszard books have been released, but with so many more to follow, this is only the tip of the iceberg. At present, there is no release date set for the first of the Bellamy tales.
When not writing, Kevin enjoys cricket, running, real ales and decent curries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 21, 2015
Haszard (26+, narrator, framing emporium, former operating theatres, aka Caveman) was investigating Graham Kirby (Alice’s husband) car wreck accident that killed him.
Once again Graham was seen in/about town.
Paul Barnett (Graham’s BMF, department store clerk) was interviewed.
Kirby’s other BMF’s: Bill Drake, Harry Radcliffe, & Max Hampshire were all interviewed.
Nigel Parsons was murdered.
2 other names came up; Harry Radcliffe & Ian Symonds.
Why were Haz & Sabrina at Heeley Pond?
What happened to Max Hampshire (Graham’s BMF)?
What about the gold bullion robbery in East Anglia?
Later Dave Parsons (chef, The Range, pub-restaurant), Marty Haynes (bartender, Baker’s Arms), Paul Barnett, Bill Drake (Graham’s BMF), & Karen Sykes Marty’s ex-G/F), were also interviewed.
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violence, adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written who-dun-it crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of very unique/colorful characters to keep track of. This could also make another great who-dun-it crime mystery movie, or mini TV series. Continued on. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Once again Graham was seen in/about town.
Paul Barnett (Graham’s BMF, department store clerk) was interviewed.
Kirby’s other BMF’s: Bill Drake, Harry Radcliffe, & Max Hampshire were all interviewed.
Nigel Parsons was murdered.
2 other names came up; Harry Radcliffe & Ian Symonds.
Why were Haz & Sabrina at Heeley Pond?
What happened to Max Hampshire (Graham’s BMF)?
What about the gold bullion robbery in East Anglia?
Later Dave Parsons (chef, The Range, pub-restaurant), Marty Haynes (bartender, Baker’s Arms), Paul Barnett, Bill Drake (Graham’s BMF), & Karen Sykes Marty’s ex-G/F), were also interviewed.
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violence, adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written who-dun-it crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of very unique/colorful characters to keep track of. This could also make another great who-dun-it crime mystery movie, or mini TV series. Continued on. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 15, 2015
Kevin Hatt knows how to combine humour, mystery, and wit, and serve it up on a silver platter for his readers! Phoenix From The Flame is on par with the other books in this series. The dialogue is well written and the story flows along nicely with a good number of twists and surprises. It's a good story, a readable novel with hopefully many more yet to come.
June 15, 2015
I like my mystery novels with a little humour and the Haszard series has been wonderful so far. I think Phoenix From The Flame is Kevin Hatt really getting into his stride with the characters. They all feel really familiar now yet he keeps on developing them in different ways. This storyline is definitely my favourite to date.
June 14, 2016
I loved books one and two of this series, but this one was different. This one is very mysterious, and harder to figure out than the other two, I think.
The author has crafted a unique blend of crime fiction, mystery, and strangely enough...comedy. I loved it.
I love the main character, Haz. And a new character joined the gang in this book - Grace. All of Hatt's characters are well developed and likable in their own ways. I enjoy his style of writing.
There's so much going on with this book - lots of action and twists. It may be my favorite so far!
Each book seems better than the last, whereas most series it's the opposite. I'm attached to Haz and want to hang out with him; he's so funny and cool and good at what he does.
My favorite genre is mystery and this one has so much. I enjoyed following the crumbs along with Haz and trying to put the pieces together.
The scenes were so well described, I felt like I was inside the story - and that's my favorite part of reading, so thank you to the author.
The book was well paced with clever dialogue and perfectly timed plot twists.
Hatt is turning out to be one of my favorite crime and mystery writers! Now I'm curious what will happen to Haz next in book four.
The author has crafted a unique blend of crime fiction, mystery, and strangely enough...comedy. I loved it.
I love the main character, Haz. And a new character joined the gang in this book - Grace. All of Hatt's characters are well developed and likable in their own ways. I enjoy his style of writing.
There's so much going on with this book - lots of action and twists. It may be my favorite so far!
Each book seems better than the last, whereas most series it's the opposite. I'm attached to Haz and want to hang out with him; he's so funny and cool and good at what he does.
My favorite genre is mystery and this one has so much. I enjoyed following the crumbs along with Haz and trying to put the pieces together.
The scenes were so well described, I felt like I was inside the story - and that's my favorite part of reading, so thank you to the author.
The book was well paced with clever dialogue and perfectly timed plot twists.
Hatt is turning out to be one of my favorite crime and mystery writers! Now I'm curious what will happen to Haz next in book four.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews