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Borealis Investigations #3
Declination
Shaw and North are together. Finally. After eight years of knowing each other and loving each other and slipping past each other, they’ve finally told each other how they feel. Borealis Investigations is growing, and they have a major prospective client on the line. Everything is finally moving the way it should.
Until the night Shaw receives a phone call telling him that Detective Jadon Reck, his former boyfriend, has been attacked.
At the request of Jadon’s partner, Shaw and North begin an investigation into the attack. But nothing is at it seems. City police are working to cover up evidence faster than Shaw and North can find it, and the motive for the attack seems impossible to unravel.
When a conspiracy of dirty cops takes action against Shaw and North, the two detectives realize they are running out of time. They have to get answers about the attack on Jadon before they lose their own lives. But Shaw knows there are things worse than death. And one of them has come back for him, to finish what he started seven years before.
The West End Slasher has returned.
Until the night Shaw receives a phone call telling him that Detective Jadon Reck, his former boyfriend, has been attacked.
At the request of Jadon’s partner, Shaw and North begin an investigation into the attack. But nothing is at it seems. City police are working to cover up evidence faster than Shaw and North can find it, and the motive for the attack seems impossible to unravel.
When a conspiracy of dirty cops takes action against Shaw and North, the two detectives realize they are running out of time. They have to get answers about the attack on Jadon before they lose their own lives. But Shaw knows there are things worse than death. And one of them has come back for him, to finish what he started seven years before.
The West End Slasher has returned.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2019
76 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
133 books1,769 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 208 reviews
October 12, 2019
4.5
Shaw pics...just because...
Happy sigh.My gorgeous men are back and this book certainly delivered.
Gregory Ashe has created the perfect mix of mystery/action and relationship drama.
North and Shaw might finally be together but things are far from idyllic.Due to his past Shaw is still struggling with intimacy so they still have hurdles to jump.And Shaw seems intent on not letting go of the past....the man who turned his life upside down so many years ago is ever present in his thoughts and when his ex,Jadon is attacked his determination to find out the identity of The West End Slasher is paramount for him.Is it more important than North though?
Wow! I never saw something coming here,honestly.I like to think I'm a bit of a sleuth sometimes,I can normally work things out....not here though.
I cannot gush enough about how much I absolutely love this series and North and Shaw.This isn't a fluffy boy meets boy story full of sunshine and roses.Their relationship is complex to say the least but it feels so real.
I love everything about these men,
They are pretty much perfect for me.Great banter,sexual chemistry in spades.These two are one of the hottest couples I've read about-flaws and all.In fact the flaws somehow make them better together.
One final thought....Jadon...if he doesn't get his HEA at the end of this series I'm going to hunt the Author down......
Highly recommended.I could read about Shaw and North forever.
Review copy.
“You’re wild,” North whispered, straddling him, his cotton tee so rough on Shaw’s overly sensitive body that Shaw let out a gasp. North’s hands took him over again. “You’re so fucking wild today.” (...)
Shaw pics...just because...
Happy sigh.My gorgeous men are back and this book certainly delivered.
Gregory Ashe has created the perfect mix of mystery/action and relationship drama.
North and Shaw might finally be together but things are far from idyllic.Due to his past Shaw is still struggling with intimacy so they still have hurdles to jump.And Shaw seems intent on not letting go of the past....the man who turned his life upside down so many years ago is ever present in his thoughts and when his ex,Jadon is attacked his determination to find out the identity of The West End Slasher is paramount for him.Is it more important than North though?
Wow! I never saw something coming here,honestly.I like to think I'm a bit of a sleuth sometimes,I can normally work things out....not here though.
I cannot gush enough about how much I absolutely love this series and North and Shaw.This isn't a fluffy boy meets boy story full of sunshine and roses.Their relationship is complex to say the least but it feels so real.
I love everything about these men,
They are pretty much perfect for me.Great banter,sexual chemistry in spades.These two are one of the hottest couples I've read about-flaws and all.In fact the flaws somehow make them better together.
One final thought....Jadon...if he doesn't get his HEA at the end of this series I'm going to hunt the Author down......
Highly recommended.I could read about Shaw and North forever.
Review copy.
June 16, 2020
4.35 stars
This one got me all jumbled up. One minute i wanted to slap Shaw and North at the back of their heads so hard, the next minute i wanted to hug them. 😫🤗
This was really fast paced IMO. I was on the edge with Shaw wanting to know more, at the same time i was also on edge with North watching Shaw lose it. Frustrating as hell but worth it.
It is no secret that i love Gregory Ashe's writing, it is my jam. And this was no exception. I love how he tells his stories, gets me engaged every single time.
Shaw and North have one of the best chemistry ever. Their friendship is gold and them being a couple is golden. I love them so fucking much. ❤️❤️ Their banter had me loling throughout.
That ending.. Gaaaaahh. I hope we are getting more.
I had the best time with this book. 😍
Edited to add:
Oh Shit! I forgot to say. They kept the puppy!😍😍 Best Interactions ever.
This one got me all jumbled up. One minute i wanted to slap Shaw and North at the back of their heads so hard, the next minute i wanted to hug them. 😫🤗
This was really fast paced IMO. I was on the edge with Shaw wanting to know more, at the same time i was also on edge with North watching Shaw lose it. Frustrating as hell but worth it.
It is no secret that i love Gregory Ashe's writing, it is my jam. And this was no exception. I love how he tells his stories, gets me engaged every single time.
Shaw and North have one of the best chemistry ever. Their friendship is gold and them being a couple is golden. I love them so fucking much. ❤️❤️ Their banter had me loling throughout.
That ending.. Gaaaaahh. I hope we are getting more.
I had the best time with this book. 😍
Edited to add:
Oh Shit! I forgot to say. They kept the puppy!😍😍 Best Interactions ever.
October 14, 2019
4.5 Stars!
I waited impatiently for this book to drop into my email and you best believe I did a happy dance when it did.
Shaw and North are quickly climbing my favorite couple list. I couldn't wait for this book cause I knew that these men were finally gonna be together and I wanted/needed to see how explosive that would be. I didn't exactly get what I was hoping for, but what I did get was something real. I was naive to expect everything to be roses when these men have both gone through it in the last two books. North with his abusive ex husband and the fall out of that and with Shaw's past and the recent attack on his life. They both have things to work through but more Shaw than North. North just wants to be let in and for Shaw to trust him and give him his truth. Shaw is holding on to his past and letting it interfere with his relationships. With his ex being attacked he is even more determined to find out the truth, but in doing so his relationship with North may not sustain the ramifications.
North and Shaw really are just meant to be together. The chemistry jumps off the pages. I love that they have a past and that what they now share has been such a slow burn build up. I love how well they know each other and how easily they fall into the most randomness banter. They have a vibe that just flows on the pages and keeps the reader flawlessly following them through their ups and downs. I am completely invested and can't wait for their next book.
GA has completely got me hooked with this couple as well with another couple of his (who's next book I am impatiently waiting for). You know what else I am impatiently wanting? A Jaden book. I don't think I'd be alone in wanting that either. The man has been through it and I really want his story of recovery and getting his happy ending. I would really like to know if he ends up with the guy he was with in this book or if he was just using him to further his case....
I can't recommend this book/series enough or his other series, Hazard and Somerset . I love those men too!
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
I waited impatiently for this book to drop into my email and you best believe I did a happy dance when it did.
Shaw and North are quickly climbing my favorite couple list. I couldn't wait for this book cause I knew that these men were finally gonna be together and I wanted/needed to see how explosive that would be. I didn't exactly get what I was hoping for, but what I did get was something real. I was naive to expect everything to be roses when these men have both gone through it in the last two books. North with his abusive ex husband and the fall out of that and with Shaw's past and the recent attack on his life. They both have things to work through but more Shaw than North. North just wants to be let in and for Shaw to trust him and give him his truth. Shaw is holding on to his past and letting it interfere with his relationships. With his ex being attacked he is even more determined to find out the truth, but in doing so his relationship with North may not sustain the ramifications.
North and Shaw really are just meant to be together. The chemistry jumps off the pages. I love that they have a past and that what they now share has been such a slow burn build up. I love how well they know each other and how easily they fall into the most randomness banter. They have a vibe that just flows on the pages and keeps the reader flawlessly following them through their ups and downs. I am completely invested and can't wait for their next book.
GA has completely got me hooked with this couple as well with another couple of his (who's next book I am impatiently waiting for). You know what else I am impatiently wanting? A Jaden book. I don't think I'd be alone in wanting that either. The man has been through it and I really want his story of recovery and getting his happy ending. I would really like to know if he ends up with the guy he was with in this book or if he was just using him to further his case....
I can't recommend this book/series enough or his other series, Hazard and Somerset . I love those men too!
Happy reading dolls! xx
**I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
March 23, 2021
*4,5 stars*
Reread March 2021
As tense and intense as the first time -no kidding!
Like each other couple by Gregory Ashe, North and Shaw have got their very own specific dynamics and particular banter. North understands Shaw and the way his mind works like no-one else, and he knows how to help him, even if it comes across as tough or strange or unorthodox at times.
Both men have to jump huge hurdles, not only to solve the case but to make their relationship work. What a tough ride!
And now that I know there is another Borealis Investigations series, I wonder if we are going to find out about Uncle Ronnie, how Jadon is doing and whether that wee puppy got a name eventually!
Can’t wait!
original review:
That was pretty tense and intense, to put it mildly.
And way grittier than I expected.
With so much anguish and hurt.
And so many unresolved issues to be addressed.
It was obvious at the end of book 2 that Shaw would have to face his inner demons eventually. He is drowning in his issues, flapping and trying to keep himself afloat. But then life and the new/old case throw one horrible thing after another at him, and Shaw’s falling apart big time.
Gregory Ashe does a stellar job at showing what mental problems can do to a person, with Shaw going totally off-tangent, virtually ready to fall off the cliff of sanity.
And North can see it happening and does what he can to keep Shaw above water. But it’s a tough call and although North is amazing, he is only but human. Seeing him crack under all the pressure is painful and very realistic.
North and Shaw are intricately complex, there is nothing straight forward about their relationship apart from one thing … they are very clear about how they feel about each other. And in the end, this is where they draw their strength from, and I absolutely adored that.
But please don’t think for even a milli-second that this is a ‘love heals all’ plot. It couldn’t be further from it. Gregory Ashe delivers something rather special here!
Top all this with an increasingly dangerous and nerve-wrecking case and a rather special secondary ‘unnamed’ character and you have a top-notch book.
Just one or two little things …
Now this is purely personal, and some people could call it ‘pet’ty. (pun fully intended *g*)
And it’s all about a puppy, the 8 week-old unnamed puppy someone gave to Shaw.
As it happens, I just got a puppy exactly that age at home, so I couldn’t help wondering …
The other thing that bothered me is that I don’t understand why North and Shaw are sometimes so intent on getting hurt (like the scene at the cop bar). It seems downright suicidal and a bit on the crazy side.
Saying that - I really love Shaw and North and this is a fabulous book and a fantastic ending to the series.
If it is actually the end – the last sentence of the book seems to suggest otherwise?!?
Reread March 2021
As tense and intense as the first time -no kidding!
Like each other couple by Gregory Ashe, North and Shaw have got their very own specific dynamics and particular banter. North understands Shaw and the way his mind works like no-one else, and he knows how to help him, even if it comes across as tough or strange or unorthodox at times.
Both men have to jump huge hurdles, not only to solve the case but to make their relationship work. What a tough ride!
And now that I know there is another Borealis Investigations series, I wonder if we are going to find out about Uncle Ronnie, how Jadon is doing and whether that wee puppy got a name eventually!
Can’t wait!
original review:
That was pretty tense and intense, to put it mildly.
And way grittier than I expected.
With so much anguish and hurt.
And so many unresolved issues to be addressed.
It was obvious at the end of book 2 that Shaw would have to face his inner demons eventually. He is drowning in his issues, flapping and trying to keep himself afloat. But then life and the new/old case throw one horrible thing after another at him, and Shaw’s falling apart big time.
Gregory Ashe does a stellar job at showing what mental problems can do to a person, with Shaw going totally off-tangent, virtually ready to fall off the cliff of sanity.
And North can see it happening and does what he can to keep Shaw above water. But it’s a tough call and although North is amazing, he is only but human. Seeing him crack under all the pressure is painful and very realistic.
North and Shaw are intricately complex, there is nothing straight forward about their relationship apart from one thing … they are very clear about how they feel about each other. And in the end, this is where they draw their strength from, and I absolutely adored that.
But please don’t think for even a milli-second that this is a ‘love heals all’ plot. It couldn’t be further from it. Gregory Ashe delivers something rather special here!
Top all this with an increasingly dangerous and nerve-wrecking case and a rather special secondary ‘unnamed’ character and you have a top-notch book.
Just one or two little things …
Now this is purely personal, and some people could call it ‘pet’ty. (pun fully intended *g*)
And it’s all about a puppy, the 8 week-old unnamed puppy someone gave to Shaw.
As it happens, I just got a puppy exactly that age at home, so I couldn’t help wondering …
The other thing that bothered me is that I don’t understand why North and Shaw are sometimes so intent on getting hurt (like the scene at the cop bar). It seems downright suicidal and a bit on the crazy side.
Saying that - I really love Shaw and North and this is a fabulous book and a fantastic ending to the series.
If it is actually the end – the last sentence of the book seems to suggest otherwise?!?
September 22, 2021
3.75 stars
I was so conflicted of how ro rate this and write a review.
On the one hand, I absolutely LOVED some aspects while others were a downer.
What I loved...
- North and his steadfastness. His utter devotion to Shaw and his insurmountable love. You could really feel that Shaw was the center of his world.
- Shaw: he broke my heart. I think the depiction of how The Slasher has impacted his life was spot on. The research GA did to portray Shaw, his trauma, it's effects and it's therapy was done so well. GA didn't shy away from anything.
- The progression of their relationship, even in small increments was good. There was no easy-fix and magic cocks in sight. Shaw wasn't cured because of North's genitals. Thank the lord.
- As with all of GA's books, this series was low steam, but what was there, especially in this book was very erotic. I mean, once they start doing it, it's blink and you miss it, but the build up is always hot.
- The Writing is top notch as always. GA is VERY talented and I love the way he weaves his stories.
- Shaw and North's banter was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise heavy book.
What I didn't like..
- Pari. Actually is freaking HATED her guts. What is her purpose? Why is she even there? Does she even have any redeemable qualities? Nop!
- I was kind of bummed that we didn't get to experience nore of N and S together as a couple. After 8 years of both of them pining for the other, I wanted to get a front row seat to their dating life, not have to hear about it in retrospect. We get to experience Shaw's truama and how North handles that, but I also wanted to see them happy and just BE. Without cases, and crying and panic attacks and the like. I think it would have give their relationship alot more depth. Plus, after all the pining, we deserved to see their first love scene forst hand also.
- The case dragged for me a bit and I skimmed.
- Baby... see this endearment is by far my FAVORITE. But here, it was used TO DEATH. Too many times that it frankly lost its luster.
I was so conflicted of how ro rate this and write a review.
On the one hand, I absolutely LOVED some aspects while others were a downer.
What I loved...
- North and his steadfastness. His utter devotion to Shaw and his insurmountable love. You could really feel that Shaw was the center of his world.
- Shaw: he broke my heart. I think the depiction of how The Slasher has impacted his life was spot on. The research GA did to portray Shaw, his trauma, it's effects and it's therapy was done so well. GA didn't shy away from anything.
- The progression of their relationship, even in small increments was good. There was no easy-fix and magic cocks in sight. Shaw wasn't cured because of North's genitals. Thank the lord.
- As with all of GA's books, this series was low steam, but what was there, especially in this book was very erotic. I mean, once they start doing it, it's blink and you miss it, but the build up is always hot.
- The Writing is top notch as always. GA is VERY talented and I love the way he weaves his stories.
- Shaw and North's banter was a ray of sunshine in an otherwise heavy book.
What I didn't like..
- Pari. Actually is freaking HATED her guts. What is her purpose? Why is she even there? Does she even have any redeemable qualities? Nop!
- I was kind of bummed that we didn't get to experience nore of N and S together as a couple. After 8 years of both of them pining for the other, I wanted to get a front row seat to their dating life, not have to hear about it in retrospect. We get to experience Shaw's truama and how North handles that, but I also wanted to see them happy and just BE. Without cases, and crying and panic attacks and the like. I think it would have give their relationship alot more depth. Plus, after all the pining, we deserved to see their first love scene forst hand also.
- The case dragged for me a bit and I skimmed.
- Baby... see this endearment is by far my FAVORITE. But here, it was used TO DEATH. Too many times that it frankly lost its luster.
July 27, 2020
4.5 stars. Well. 😳 A lot goes on in this book, and though in the previous ones GA gave all the frustration anyone should ever have to handle, this time he bought the pain. This one hurt me. Made me furious and then hurt me again.
Another catastrophe hits North and Shaw, and with this one, Shaw absolutely loses it. From reading the series this far, I know the real reason Shaw is going off the rails here. But because he still won't tell North what's going on in his head, North doesn't know the real reasons, he only knows what he sees. And what he sees looks and sounds really, really bad. Then North follows Shaw right off the rails too. On top of all this there are the problems that they're having with intimacy, which comes from the same place everything else does. In the beginning of this one, I thought there was a real chance they might break over all this.
Shaw is so desperate to find the slasher and escape the place in his head the trauma has created that he tries to almost become someone different. And not just looks-wise. There were places in the story where he was actually kind of scary with the things he did, and the way he acted. 😬
North is really struggling here. He always tries to make sure Shaw has whatever he needs and supports Shaw wholly but this time he has no idea what to do. North's pain and fear leads him to hurt Shaw right back and he almost ends up in a bad situation. * shivers*
It isn't all hurt and pain though. North and Shaw do talk to each other, it's just like pulling teeth to get Shaw to spill anything. And no matter what, they do work well together as partners just as much as friends and lovers. Their banter is second to none, they make me laugh even when I don't want to. ❤️
When everything starts to go down and the dirty cops start to unravel, there managed to be a few surprises yet, and the slasher is finally revealed. By the time the dust settles and our guys manage to catch a breath, they're in a much better place, and things are looking brighter for them.
Until in true Ashe fashion, at the very end of the book, another asshole pulls the pin out of the proverbial grenade, and now I've got to sit here and wait to see what happens. But you can bet I'll be first in line for that book. Ashe's writing continues to be outstanding and his storylines and mystery are top notch every time. As a note for the audiobook, Charlie David did a great job with his narration, giving excellent voice to North and Shaw and keeping me in the story. I'm looking forward to more. Really love these men that Gregory Ashe has brought to life here, no matter how crazy they make me! 🥰
Another catastrophe hits North and Shaw, and with this one, Shaw absolutely loses it. From reading the series this far, I know the real reason Shaw is going off the rails here. But because he still won't tell North what's going on in his head, North doesn't know the real reasons, he only knows what he sees. And what he sees looks and sounds really, really bad. Then North follows Shaw right off the rails too. On top of all this there are the problems that they're having with intimacy, which comes from the same place everything else does. In the beginning of this one, I thought there was a real chance they might break over all this.
Shaw is so desperate to find the slasher and escape the place in his head the trauma has created that he tries to almost become someone different. And not just looks-wise. There were places in the story where he was actually kind of scary with the things he did, and the way he acted. 😬
North is really struggling here. He always tries to make sure Shaw has whatever he needs and supports Shaw wholly but this time he has no idea what to do. North's pain and fear leads him to hurt Shaw right back and he almost ends up in a bad situation. * shivers*
It isn't all hurt and pain though. North and Shaw do talk to each other, it's just like pulling teeth to get Shaw to spill anything. And no matter what, they do work well together as partners just as much as friends and lovers. Their banter is second to none, they make me laugh even when I don't want to. ❤️
When everything starts to go down and the dirty cops start to unravel, there managed to be a few surprises yet, and the slasher is finally revealed. By the time the dust settles and our guys manage to catch a breath, they're in a much better place, and things are looking brighter for them.
Until in true Ashe fashion, at the very end of the book, another asshole pulls the pin out of the proverbial grenade, and now I've got to sit here and wait to see what happens. But you can bet I'll be first in line for that book. Ashe's writing continues to be outstanding and his storylines and mystery are top notch every time. As a note for the audiobook, Charlie David did a great job with his narration, giving excellent voice to North and Shaw and keeping me in the story. I'm looking forward to more. Really love these men that Gregory Ashe has brought to life here, no matter how crazy they make me! 🥰
June 17, 2020
Gregory Ashe has thoroughly won me over with his intricate, clever, and very entertaining series Borealis Investigations. As a mystery/thriller, this ended up being one of the best stories I’ve read in ages, and the array of characters Mr. Ashe dreams up are spectacular. From start to finish, this has been one enjoyable ride!
I highly recommend doing this series in audio. Performed by Charlie David, the characters in Borealis Investigations fit beautifully with his narration style. His ability to portray North’s raw vulnerability, when it breaks through his usual smooth confidence, and Shaw’s pain as he relives the heartbreaking moments of his past, is impressive. Mr. David infuses so much raw emotion into his performance, it’s really something special. Plus he keeps the good times rolling along, and makes the most of the wit and humor in Shaw and North’s banter.
The overall story builds gradually, throughout the three books. This is an intricate plot which unfolds so seamlessly I didn’t even realize how brilliant it was till the ending. Kudos to Gregory Ashe for his ability to craft such an amazing mystery!
As for the romance between Shaw and North, it’s a true slow-burn, beautifully done, and so worth the wait! Gregory Ashe writes deliciously sensual sex scenes, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to this pair in Declination. After Shaw’s experiences with Matty and Jadon, to see the person he can be with North is incredibly moving.
North is a truly interesting character. Watching him deal with Tucker's drama, navigate his relationship with his complicated father, and process everything that Shaw brings out in him, I loved seeing him grow and change throughout the series.
These two men have fantastic chemistry: as friends, as work partners, and most definitely as lovers. They just need each other so thoroughly, it’s a marvelous love story. An excellent friends-to-lovers romance and a first-rate mystery, I sincerely hope this is not the end of Borealis Investigations.
an audiobook copy of Declination was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
I highly recommend doing this series in audio. Performed by Charlie David, the characters in Borealis Investigations fit beautifully with his narration style. His ability to portray North’s raw vulnerability, when it breaks through his usual smooth confidence, and Shaw’s pain as he relives the heartbreaking moments of his past, is impressive. Mr. David infuses so much raw emotion into his performance, it’s really something special. Plus he keeps the good times rolling along, and makes the most of the wit and humor in Shaw and North’s banter.
The overall story builds gradually, throughout the three books. This is an intricate plot which unfolds so seamlessly I didn’t even realize how brilliant it was till the ending. Kudos to Gregory Ashe for his ability to craft such an amazing mystery!
As for the romance between Shaw and North, it’s a true slow-burn, beautifully done, and so worth the wait! Gregory Ashe writes deliciously sensual sex scenes, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen to this pair in Declination. After Shaw’s experiences with Matty and Jadon, to see the person he can be with North is incredibly moving.
North is a truly interesting character. Watching him deal with Tucker's drama, navigate his relationship with his complicated father, and process everything that Shaw brings out in him, I loved seeing him grow and change throughout the series.
These two men have fantastic chemistry: as friends, as work partners, and most definitely as lovers. They just need each other so thoroughly, it’s a marvelous love story. An excellent friends-to-lovers romance and a first-rate mystery, I sincerely hope this is not the end of Borealis Investigations.
an audiobook copy of Declination was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
September 19, 2024
I feel like whilst this was definitely the strongest of the three installments for me, all of my little issues in the first two persisted still in this one (please don’t hate me).
Shaw definitely grew on me over the course of the story but I still never really clicked with him (or his weird fashion choices) and I found the constant lack of communication about his emotional state until it exploded into a drama to be tiresome after a certain point. I definitely found myself on several occasions thinking that North had more patience than I would have in his shoes.
This wasn’t a super innovative mystery, the overarching story, whilst engaging, ended up being solved in a way that felt a little lazy to me and while I know that there are further series, there were some plot points that weren’t addressed that I felt like would be nice to have been included (is Jadon just still hanging out in a coma indefinitely? I’m still confused about the Uncle Ronnie storyline). I also find that GA is just always a little too quick to throw in the F slur in his books for my tastes too, and whilst I get what he is trying to achieve with it, I just find it a bit excessive.
I still think that this is a 3.5 star series but I’ll rate up this time instead of down (cause despite everything I’ve just complained about) I still had a good experience with the audio books.
Shaw definitely grew on me over the course of the story but I still never really clicked with him (or his weird fashion choices) and I found the constant lack of communication about his emotional state until it exploded into a drama to be tiresome after a certain point. I definitely found myself on several occasions thinking that North had more patience than I would have in his shoes.
This wasn’t a super innovative mystery, the overarching story, whilst engaging, ended up being solved in a way that felt a little lazy to me and while I know that there are further series, there were some plot points that weren’t addressed that I felt like would be nice to have been included (is Jadon just still hanging out in a coma indefinitely? I’m still confused about the Uncle Ronnie storyline). I also find that GA is just always a little too quick to throw in the F slur in his books for my tastes too, and whilst I get what he is trying to achieve with it, I just find it a bit excessive.
I still think that this is a 3.5 star series but I’ll rate up this time instead of down (cause despite everything I’ve just complained about) I still had a good experience with the audio books.
December 5, 2020
This book didn’t work nearly as well for me as I wanted it to. I loved, loved, loved the first and second books in this series, but Declination just seemed like kind of a mess. North and Shaw are deeply frustrating (Shaw, especially) and just keep retreading the same emotional ground over and over and over in ways that don’t really seem true to their characters. The wrap up of the Slasher case was overly complicated and too reminiscent of similar but better executed plot lines I’ve read before from Ashe. Is every case just dirty cops? Dirty cops all the way down? That’s the answer to every bad thing? I had the same problem with the Hazard & Somerset series - a frustrating last book - and I’m starting to feel like Ashe is really strong on building amazing characters and conflicts, but a lot less strong on crafting a satisfying resolution.
For a lot of Declination, it felt like the series was ending with this book (and there’s no teaser chapters for a next book) but then right at the end it seemed like a new angle was introduced to throw the series in a different direction. I’m not sure if I’ll be back, if there are more books. I’m just not sure if the high octane build up is worth the disappointing ending.
For a lot of Declination, it felt like the series was ending with this book (and there’s no teaser chapters for a next book) but then right at the end it seemed like a new angle was introduced to throw the series in a different direction. I’m not sure if I’ll be back, if there are more books. I’m just not sure if the high octane build up is worth the disappointing ending.
March 22, 2022
Shaw and the never ending banter totally got on my wick.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 23, 2022
I don't know what has happened to me and this series, but I've enjoyed it against all bets, and I'm glad there's a follow up with .
I still want to murder Shaw and North, I still don't like them, and I still want Pari to dissapear, but, I don't know, as over the top and unrealistic as some times this becomes, I've enjoyed the ride.
I still want to murder Shaw and North, I still don't like them, and I still want Pari to dissapear, but, I don't know, as over the top and unrealistic as some times this becomes, I've enjoyed the ride.
February 5, 2025
I've been so disappointed with this series. Compared to Hazard and Somerset, this was so wishy washy and could never really decide on who these characters actually are.
Shaw was my favourite in book one, but now I just can't stand him. How he's considered highly intelligent I will never understand. He lacks all common sense, he's obstinate at every turn and he runs away from everything that requires him to actually put some work into it. His inability to talk to North about anything was beyond frustrating and he got offended when North spoke the truth and turned it back on North as though he'd done something horrifically unforgivable. Shaw was obsessed with the Slasher and was extremely ungrateful for the privileged life he leads, it's not North's fault that Shaw lives in denial. It made him impossible to like because he was so selfish and self-absorbed, plus he'd then act like a literal child which was just so jarring. Also the amount of times we have to hear that he pukes after one alcoholic drink, or how he's bouncing off the ceilings after one drink of cola... I don't know if it was supposed to be humourous but I just found it weird and Shaw just seriously gave me the ick.
I actually felt bad for North in this book. Shaw literally ignores everything he says, his dad is unreliable and antagonistic, and his ex is such a piece of shit. North basically has no one in his life except for Shaw apparently, he still doesn't have his license reinstated, and no one takes the time to listen to him. He did feel like a diluted version of Emery Hazard, but he was definitely no match.
There are a few moments of genuine humour, but the crime mystery was glaringly obvious even from the set up in book one. I don't enjoy it when I can figure out the crime so quickly. It also took me all day just to get through this, which tells me these characters aren't for me and I'm not sure if I will read their other series or not yet - it depends on whether I need to read them for other series to make sense.
I'm also a bit miffed that the Jadon situation wasn't resolved when it was such a big plot point! I don't really like Jadon enough to go looking for the answers though...
Hard to believe these books are from the same author - the writing style is still great and there's great world building, it's just the characters themselves that are really weak and unlikeable.
Shaw was my favourite in book one, but now I just can't stand him. How he's considered highly intelligent I will never understand. He lacks all common sense, he's obstinate at every turn and he runs away from everything that requires him to actually put some work into it. His inability to talk to North about anything was beyond frustrating and he got offended when North spoke the truth and turned it back on North as though he'd done something horrifically unforgivable. Shaw was obsessed with the Slasher and was extremely ungrateful for the privileged life he leads, it's not North's fault that Shaw lives in denial. It made him impossible to like because he was so selfish and self-absorbed, plus he'd then act like a literal child which was just so jarring. Also the amount of times we have to hear that he pukes after one alcoholic drink, or how he's bouncing off the ceilings after one drink of cola... I don't know if it was supposed to be humourous but I just found it weird and Shaw just seriously gave me the ick.
I actually felt bad for North in this book. Shaw literally ignores everything he says, his dad is unreliable and antagonistic, and his ex is such a piece of shit. North basically has no one in his life except for Shaw apparently, he still doesn't have his license reinstated, and no one takes the time to listen to him. He did feel like a diluted version of Emery Hazard, but he was definitely no match.
There are a few moments of genuine humour, but the crime mystery was glaringly obvious even from the set up in book one. I don't enjoy it when I can figure out the crime so quickly. It also took me all day just to get through this, which tells me these characters aren't for me and I'm not sure if I will read their other series or not yet - it depends on whether I need to read them for other series to make sense.
I'm also a bit miffed that the Jadon situation wasn't resolved when it was such a big plot point! I don't really like Jadon enough to go looking for the answers though...
Hard to believe these books are from the same author - the writing style is still great and there's great world building, it's just the characters themselves that are really weak and unlikeable.
March 21, 2021
Since I came later to this series I'll just say that Gregory Ashe is unerring in his laser-like observations about relationships.
The overarching mystery of The Slasher, which was set up back in Bk.1, and the expected/foreshadowed rotten apples in the police force play out in satisfying and expected ways. We're even left with a taste for what the next cycle in the series will gear towards but I'm happy to see that North & Shaw are left on firm ground going forward.
It's true that no one can hurt us quite as much as those we love and the same goest in return. And I don't just mean romantic partners. In this installment Shaw & North do the dance and at times come close to falling off the edge. It was painful to witness but necessary to any kind of growth. At least for Shaw. I suspect that North will be the one having to face unnamed demons going forward.
Overall I was happy with this. It delivers on the premise of the first book and doesn't sugar coat or cut corners. Tears are shed, hard truths are faced, and promising steps are taken for a plausible & sustainable HEA.
This may all sound very dour but it's not or mostly not. The banter and snark between Shaw & North is as sharp as ever and their moments of tenderness are all heart. I'm not sure that I'd continue to employ Pari or care all that much about Truck so it's clear North & Shaw are better people than myself. I'm okay with that.
I read the paperback aided by Charlie David's excellent narration. Highly recommend.
The overarching mystery of The Slasher, which was set up back in Bk.1, and the expected/foreshadowed rotten apples in the police force play out in satisfying and expected ways. We're even left with a taste for what the next cycle in the series will gear towards but I'm happy to see that North & Shaw are left on firm ground going forward.
It's true that no one can hurt us quite as much as those we love and the same goest in return. And I don't just mean romantic partners. In this installment Shaw & North do the dance and at times come close to falling off the edge. It was painful to witness but necessary to any kind of growth. At least for Shaw. I suspect that North will be the one having to face unnamed demons going forward.
Overall I was happy with this. It delivers on the premise of the first book and doesn't sugar coat or cut corners. Tears are shed, hard truths are faced, and promising steps are taken for a plausible & sustainable HEA.
This may all sound very dour but it's not or mostly not. The banter and snark between Shaw & North is as sharp as ever and their moments of tenderness are all heart. I'm not sure that I'd continue to employ Pari or care all that much about Truck so it's clear North & Shaw are better people than myself. I'm okay with that.
I read the paperback aided by Charlie David's excellent narration. Highly recommend.
November 13, 2019
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Note: This is a series featuring overarching plotlines so there will be spoilers for the previous books in this review.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Declination, the third book in Gregory Ashe’s terrific Borealis Investigations series featuring private investigators North McKinney and Shaw Aldrich. While these stories are predominantly mysteries, there’s a strong romantic thread running through them, too; and although the main mystery plots in each of the previous books has been tied up by the end, there are overarching storylines running throughout all three novels in the set which mean that they really should be read in order so as to fully understand the nature of the relationship between the two leads and the important backstory which underpins the plot.
North and Shaw are best friends as well as business partners, and they share a complicated and troubled history. We’ve watched them yearn for each other, burn up the pages with unresolved sexual tension and deliberately avoid talking about their feelings for one another for two books, but that changed at the end of the last one, and when Declination opens, North and Shaw are – at last – a couple. Things are far from ideal however, as Shaw continues to suffer the anxiety and panic attacks during sex which started following his involvement with a duplicitous client who tried to kill him. Shaw has wanted North so badly for so long that he fears losing him should the other man ever work out just how messed up he is, so Shaw is trying to deal with his issues on his own while desperately trying to prevent North from finding out the truth.
The main plot thread that has run through the series concerns the identity of the West End Slasher, the serial killer who, eight years earlier, killed Shaw’s boyfriend in a vicious attack that also left Shaw critically injured. Shaw has long been convinced that the wrong man was imprisoned for the Slasher’s crimes, and at the end of Orientation(book one), he came into possession of a video clip that gave him his first real lead in tracking down the actual murderer. When the supposed Slasher was killed in prison the day before Shaw was due to visit him, and when, during their last investigation, he and North kept running up against members of the St. Louis PD’s LGBT task force who were obviously hiding something and wanted to get North and Shaw out of the way, Shaw became even more convinced of the existence of a police cover-up. And at the end of Triangulation, North and Shaw were sent a message that was an unmistakable threat. Detective Jadon Reck, Shaw’s ex, arrived on their doorstep, beaten and bloody, with a photograph of North pinned to his jacket and the words “he’s next” carved into his chest.
The events of Declination take place a few months after those of the previous book. After catching up with a small-time thief they’ve been asked to take into the Circuit Attorney’s office, North and Shaw bump into Jadon, who is back at work, but obviously not doing so well. That night, Shaw receives a call from Jadon’s work partner, who tells him that Jadon has been hospitalised following another attack – and this time is in a really bad way. The police are trying to spin it as a suicide attempt, but Shaw is convinced that Jadon has been targeted because of his association with him and North and their continued search for the truth about the West End Slasher.
While Shaw is struggling (and often failing) to process so many things – about the attack years before, about what happened with Matty Fenmore, about his feelings for North – North is coming to realise that even though he and Shaw have lived practically in each other’s pockets for years, Shaw is slowly turning into someone he doesn’t know. Concerned about the toll the investigation is taking on the man he loves, North tries to persuade Shaw to take a step back and work with one of their new clients while North continues the investigation into the Slasher, but Shaw can’t. His need to get to the truth is too tangled up with the trauma of the attack and his desire to just be ‘normal’ again; he’s become fixated on finding the killer, seeing it as a way of achieving some sort of closure and getting his life back. (I admit that I couldn’t help wondering why Shaw wasn’t getting professional help; he mentions a therapist, but from North’s dismissive reaction, I inferred the therapist wasn’t very good!)
Amid the chaos of betrayal, corruption and murder, with North and Shaw not knowing who they can trust and that a step in the wrong direction could mean it’s their last step, Gregory Ashe brings the Slasher plotline to a close in a heart-breaking, shocking and completely unexpected manner. He’s an excellent plotter; even the most random of threads often turns out to have significance and he weaves them skilfully in and out of the narrative to create a complex, satisfying whole that kept me on the edge of my seat. He’s equally adept at character and relationship development, and continues to steer North and Shaw’s romance in a positive direction while also making it clear that they’ve got a long way to go, and I liked the honesty of that. There’s no question these two are committed and deeply in love, but they know they have work to do to build a life together and they’re prepared to do it. Mr. Ashe also writes wonderful dialogue and the banter between North and Shaw is sharp and funny, even as it serves to provide insight into their minds and relationship, and to demarcate the dynamic between them at the same time as it propels the story forward.
Declination is a clever, fast-paced and absorbing novel that brings this storyline to a nail-biting close, and leaves North and Shaw in a good place (together) and on the brink of a new direction in their careers. But this isn’t the last we’re going to hear of them; the book ends with… not really a cliffhanger, but definitely a hint of more to come, and I’m very much looking forward to it.
Note: This is a series featuring overarching plotlines so there will be spoilers for the previous books in this review.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Declination, the third book in Gregory Ashe’s terrific Borealis Investigations series featuring private investigators North McKinney and Shaw Aldrich. While these stories are predominantly mysteries, there’s a strong romantic thread running through them, too; and although the main mystery plots in each of the previous books has been tied up by the end, there are overarching storylines running throughout all three novels in the set which mean that they really should be read in order so as to fully understand the nature of the relationship between the two leads and the important backstory which underpins the plot.
North and Shaw are best friends as well as business partners, and they share a complicated and troubled history. We’ve watched them yearn for each other, burn up the pages with unresolved sexual tension and deliberately avoid talking about their feelings for one another for two books, but that changed at the end of the last one, and when Declination opens, North and Shaw are – at last – a couple. Things are far from ideal however, as Shaw continues to suffer the anxiety and panic attacks during sex which started following his involvement with a duplicitous client who tried to kill him. Shaw has wanted North so badly for so long that he fears losing him should the other man ever work out just how messed up he is, so Shaw is trying to deal with his issues on his own while desperately trying to prevent North from finding out the truth.
The main plot thread that has run through the series concerns the identity of the West End Slasher, the serial killer who, eight years earlier, killed Shaw’s boyfriend in a vicious attack that also left Shaw critically injured. Shaw has long been convinced that the wrong man was imprisoned for the Slasher’s crimes, and at the end of Orientation(book one), he came into possession of a video clip that gave him his first real lead in tracking down the actual murderer. When the supposed Slasher was killed in prison the day before Shaw was due to visit him, and when, during their last investigation, he and North kept running up against members of the St. Louis PD’s LGBT task force who were obviously hiding something and wanted to get North and Shaw out of the way, Shaw became even more convinced of the existence of a police cover-up. And at the end of Triangulation, North and Shaw were sent a message that was an unmistakable threat. Detective Jadon Reck, Shaw’s ex, arrived on their doorstep, beaten and bloody, with a photograph of North pinned to his jacket and the words “he’s next” carved into his chest.
The events of Declination take place a few months after those of the previous book. After catching up with a small-time thief they’ve been asked to take into the Circuit Attorney’s office, North and Shaw bump into Jadon, who is back at work, but obviously not doing so well. That night, Shaw receives a call from Jadon’s work partner, who tells him that Jadon has been hospitalised following another attack – and this time is in a really bad way. The police are trying to spin it as a suicide attempt, but Shaw is convinced that Jadon has been targeted because of his association with him and North and their continued search for the truth about the West End Slasher.
While Shaw is struggling (and often failing) to process so many things – about the attack years before, about what happened with Matty Fenmore, about his feelings for North – North is coming to realise that even though he and Shaw have lived practically in each other’s pockets for years, Shaw is slowly turning into someone he doesn’t know. Concerned about the toll the investigation is taking on the man he loves, North tries to persuade Shaw to take a step back and work with one of their new clients while North continues the investigation into the Slasher, but Shaw can’t. His need to get to the truth is too tangled up with the trauma of the attack and his desire to just be ‘normal’ again; he’s become fixated on finding the killer, seeing it as a way of achieving some sort of closure and getting his life back. (I admit that I couldn’t help wondering why Shaw wasn’t getting professional help; he mentions a therapist, but from North’s dismissive reaction, I inferred the therapist wasn’t very good!)
Amid the chaos of betrayal, corruption and murder, with North and Shaw not knowing who they can trust and that a step in the wrong direction could mean it’s their last step, Gregory Ashe brings the Slasher plotline to a close in a heart-breaking, shocking and completely unexpected manner. He’s an excellent plotter; even the most random of threads often turns out to have significance and he weaves them skilfully in and out of the narrative to create a complex, satisfying whole that kept me on the edge of my seat. He’s equally adept at character and relationship development, and continues to steer North and Shaw’s romance in a positive direction while also making it clear that they’ve got a long way to go, and I liked the honesty of that. There’s no question these two are committed and deeply in love, but they know they have work to do to build a life together and they’re prepared to do it. Mr. Ashe also writes wonderful dialogue and the banter between North and Shaw is sharp and funny, even as it serves to provide insight into their minds and relationship, and to demarcate the dynamic between them at the same time as it propels the story forward.
Declination is a clever, fast-paced and absorbing novel that brings this storyline to a nail-biting close, and leaves North and Shaw in a good place (together) and on the brink of a new direction in their careers. But this isn’t the last we’re going to hear of them; the book ends with… not really a cliffhanger, but definitely a hint of more to come, and I’m very much looking forward to it.
November 17, 2019
3.5 stars
I enjoy Gregory Ashe’s books. But as with the Hazard and Sommerset series, the Borealis Investigations series is started to drag. The shtick between North and Shaw gets old and grating page after page, book after book. I’d really like a little more nuance.
That said, I continue to read because the author is great at getting the reader invested in the story. And I’m a sucker for a best friends to lovers trope.
I enjoy Gregory Ashe’s books. But as with the Hazard and Sommerset series, the Borealis Investigations series is started to drag. The shtick between North and Shaw gets old and grating page after page, book after book. I’d really like a little more nuance.
That said, I continue to read because the author is great at getting the reader invested in the story. And I’m a sucker for a best friends to lovers trope.
June 24, 2022
[3.4~3.5] jaflkdsjfkdj half stars would be real useful right now, goodreads 😩
i'm sorry y'all but i have to say it:
......i prefer North & Shaw as cameos over their own series 💀
peacing out before the hitmen can locate me
i am here for the mystery and as a proud Jadon stan 😤
glad Shaw could wrap up some loose ends surrounding the most traumatic event of his life, but it'd be nice if he also considered switching to another therapist because the current one doesn't seem very effective 🤣
also, potentially in part because , this one wasn't as satisfying to me? then again, i am the one blazing through his series like it's nobody's business, so my best piece of advice is to savor each book at a leisurely pace and take breaks between series 😂
i'm sorry y'all but i have to say it:
......i prefer North & Shaw as cameos over their own series 💀
peacing out before the hitmen can locate me
i am here for the mystery and as a proud Jadon stan 😤
glad Shaw could wrap up some loose ends surrounding the most traumatic event of his life, but it'd be nice if he also considered switching to another therapist because the current one doesn't seem very effective 🤣
also, potentially in part because , this one wasn't as satisfying to me? then again, i am the one blazing through his series like it's nobody's business, so my best piece of advice is to savor each book at a leisurely pace and take breaks between series 😂
April 10, 2024
I've given this an A- for narration and content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Note: The books in this series contain an overarching plotline and are best listened to in order. There are spoilers for books 1 & 2 in this review.
Declination, book three in Gregory Ashe’s Borealis Investigations series featuring private investigators North McKinney and Shaw Aldrich, picks up a few weeks after the cliffhanger ending of book two, Triangulation, Detective Jadon Reck – who had briefly dated Shaw – arrived on Shaw’s doorstep bloodied, beaten and with the words “He’s next” cut into his chest, a threat obviously directed at North – and obviously delivered because North and Shaw were getting too close to uncovering the truth about the West End Slasher, a serial killer responsible for the murders of several young gay men years earlier. Shaw, who was critically injured in the Slasher’s final attack, has never been convinced the right man was charged and incarcerated. Following the discovery of some new evidence (Orientation), Shaw has been trying hard to get to the truth, but the truth remains frustratingly elusive as he hits dead end after dead end – although clearly someone out there is rattled enough to have attacked Jadon in order to send that message.
The final chapters of Triangulation also saw a momentous shift in the relationship between North and Shaw who, after eight years of longing and denial, finally owned up to how they felt about each other and are now a couple. Gregory Ashe is one of the few authors whose books I read and listen to who doesn’t finish his stories at the HEA; like Hazard and Somerset, North and Shaw may be together now, but they’ve got things to work out if they’re really going to make it in the long-term. In this story, North finally comes to understand just how deeply affected Shaw has been, not only by recent events (when he fell for a client who tried to kill him) but by lingering trauma from the Slasher attack. The trouble is that Shaw has worked hard over the years to hide it and has been so successful that North hasn’t realised the true extent of the damage – and now they’re finally together, Shaw is still desperately trying to deal with his issues alone, fearing he could lose North should he ever find out just how screwed up he is.
When Declination opens, North and Shaw are bringing in a petty criminal to the Circuit Attorney’s office when they run into Jadon, who is recovered and back at work, but clearly not doing so well. Later that night, Shaw receives a call from Jadon’s work partner Detective Barr telling him that Jadon has been hospitalised following another attack – and that this time, he might not make it. When Barr tells them Jadon is rumoured to have been trying to commit suicide, Shaw is more convinced than ever that Jadon has been targeted because of his association with him and North and their search for the Slasher. Their dealings with members of the St. Louis PD’s LGBT Task Force in Triangulation led North and Shaw to suspicions of police corruption and cover-ups, and when new information comes to light – information that Jadon had clearly put himself at risk to obtain – Shaw knows they’re onto something big. North is seriously concerned, helplessly watching this dangerous fixation slowly turning the man he loves into a man he doesn’t know. He tries to get Shaw to take a step back, but Shaw won’t let it go. He needs to get to the truth, seeing it as a way of achieving some sort of closure and getting his life back – and of course, North isn’t going to let him walk into danger alone.
I really don’t want to spoil the plot, so that’s all I’m going to say about it! Mr. Ashe gets the balance between the suspense plotline and the relationship drama just about right here, propelling the story to an edge-of-the-seat climax and bringing his customary laser-sharp insight to the intricacies of the bond between the two leads. The Slasher storyline is wrapped up in a way I absolutely did NOT see coming – and which is actually a little heart-breaking in a way – and while Shaw doesn’t get closure in the way he’d perhaps expected, he does at last come to realise that he needs to stop allowing himself to be defined by something terrible and to re-make himself in the light of who he wants to be and the future he wants to have.
I’ve reviewed quite a few of Mr. Ashe’s books by this time, and it’s hard to find new things to say, especially when they’re consistently of such high quality! The mysteries – whether the individual ones that are solved by the end of each book, or the longer series arcs – are intricate, clever and tightly plotted as the author pulls together his various plot-threads to gradually reveal the bigger picture, skilfully balancing that with the ongoing character and relationship development at which he excels. North and Shaw are flawed, complex individuals who are very different in many ways, but who are nonetheless completely attuned to one another, their circuitous conversations and sharp banter moving at lightning speed and expertly conveying the strength of their personal connection – which is emphasised even more strongly by Charlie David’s terrific narration.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to Mr. David in these books; he nailed both protagonists right from the beginning, his rich, deep tones and deadpan delivery a perfect fit for the cynical, physically imposing North, and the lighter, overtly carefree characterisation of Shaw containing just the right amount of wide-eyed innocence and biting wit. He gets them on an emotional level, too; one of my favourite things about his portrayal of North is the way he is able to inject so much into just a few words, talking Shaw off a ledge with a simple “Shaw,” that contains a wealth of meaning from “I’m here” to “I love you” to “stop freaking out”. He differentiates effectively between all the characters (the issues I noted in my review of Triangulation don’t recur here) and although his female voices aren’t the best I’ve heard, they’re far from the worst. His timing in the bantering exchanges between North and Shaw is impeccable, his pacing is good overall, his enunciation clear and best of all, he’s a terrific vocal actor; there’s an energy to his performance that helps propel the story, and he never loses momentum, even in the longer narrative passages.
Declination rounds out the Borealis Investigations series nicely, with Shaw and North in a good place and ready to move forward both professionally and personally. But this is obviously not the last we’re going to see of them; the book ends with the strongest of hints that there is more to come, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what Mr. Ashe has in store for them.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
Note: The books in this series contain an overarching plotline and are best listened to in order. There are spoilers for books 1 & 2 in this review.
Declination, book three in Gregory Ashe’s Borealis Investigations series featuring private investigators North McKinney and Shaw Aldrich, picks up a few weeks after the cliffhanger ending of book two, Triangulation, Detective Jadon Reck – who had briefly dated Shaw – arrived on Shaw’s doorstep bloodied, beaten and with the words “He’s next” cut into his chest, a threat obviously directed at North – and obviously delivered because North and Shaw were getting too close to uncovering the truth about the West End Slasher, a serial killer responsible for the murders of several young gay men years earlier. Shaw, who was critically injured in the Slasher’s final attack, has never been convinced the right man was charged and incarcerated. Following the discovery of some new evidence (Orientation), Shaw has been trying hard to get to the truth, but the truth remains frustratingly elusive as he hits dead end after dead end – although clearly someone out there is rattled enough to have attacked Jadon in order to send that message.
The final chapters of Triangulation also saw a momentous shift in the relationship between North and Shaw who, after eight years of longing and denial, finally owned up to how they felt about each other and are now a couple. Gregory Ashe is one of the few authors whose books I read and listen to who doesn’t finish his stories at the HEA; like Hazard and Somerset, North and Shaw may be together now, but they’ve got things to work out if they’re really going to make it in the long-term. In this story, North finally comes to understand just how deeply affected Shaw has been, not only by recent events (when he fell for a client who tried to kill him) but by lingering trauma from the Slasher attack. The trouble is that Shaw has worked hard over the years to hide it and has been so successful that North hasn’t realised the true extent of the damage – and now they’re finally together, Shaw is still desperately trying to deal with his issues alone, fearing he could lose North should he ever find out just how screwed up he is.
When Declination opens, North and Shaw are bringing in a petty criminal to the Circuit Attorney’s office when they run into Jadon, who is recovered and back at work, but clearly not doing so well. Later that night, Shaw receives a call from Jadon’s work partner Detective Barr telling him that Jadon has been hospitalised following another attack – and that this time, he might not make it. When Barr tells them Jadon is rumoured to have been trying to commit suicide, Shaw is more convinced than ever that Jadon has been targeted because of his association with him and North and their search for the Slasher. Their dealings with members of the St. Louis PD’s LGBT Task Force in Triangulation led North and Shaw to suspicions of police corruption and cover-ups, and when new information comes to light – information that Jadon had clearly put himself at risk to obtain – Shaw knows they’re onto something big. North is seriously concerned, helplessly watching this dangerous fixation slowly turning the man he loves into a man he doesn’t know. He tries to get Shaw to take a step back, but Shaw won’t let it go. He needs to get to the truth, seeing it as a way of achieving some sort of closure and getting his life back – and of course, North isn’t going to let him walk into danger alone.
I really don’t want to spoil the plot, so that’s all I’m going to say about it! Mr. Ashe gets the balance between the suspense plotline and the relationship drama just about right here, propelling the story to an edge-of-the-seat climax and bringing his customary laser-sharp insight to the intricacies of the bond between the two leads. The Slasher storyline is wrapped up in a way I absolutely did NOT see coming – and which is actually a little heart-breaking in a way – and while Shaw doesn’t get closure in the way he’d perhaps expected, he does at last come to realise that he needs to stop allowing himself to be defined by something terrible and to re-make himself in the light of who he wants to be and the future he wants to have.
I’ve reviewed quite a few of Mr. Ashe’s books by this time, and it’s hard to find new things to say, especially when they’re consistently of such high quality! The mysteries – whether the individual ones that are solved by the end of each book, or the longer series arcs – are intricate, clever and tightly plotted as the author pulls together his various plot-threads to gradually reveal the bigger picture, skilfully balancing that with the ongoing character and relationship development at which he excels. North and Shaw are flawed, complex individuals who are very different in many ways, but who are nonetheless completely attuned to one another, their circuitous conversations and sharp banter moving at lightning speed and expertly conveying the strength of their personal connection – which is emphasised even more strongly by Charlie David’s terrific narration.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listening to Mr. David in these books; he nailed both protagonists right from the beginning, his rich, deep tones and deadpan delivery a perfect fit for the cynical, physically imposing North, and the lighter, overtly carefree characterisation of Shaw containing just the right amount of wide-eyed innocence and biting wit. He gets them on an emotional level, too; one of my favourite things about his portrayal of North is the way he is able to inject so much into just a few words, talking Shaw off a ledge with a simple “Shaw,” that contains a wealth of meaning from “I’m here” to “I love you” to “stop freaking out”. He differentiates effectively between all the characters (the issues I noted in my review of Triangulation don’t recur here) and although his female voices aren’t the best I’ve heard, they’re far from the worst. His timing in the bantering exchanges between North and Shaw is impeccable, his pacing is good overall, his enunciation clear and best of all, he’s a terrific vocal actor; there’s an energy to his performance that helps propel the story, and he never loses momentum, even in the longer narrative passages.
Declination rounds out the Borealis Investigations series nicely, with Shaw and North in a good place and ready to move forward both professionally and personally. But this is obviously not the last we’re going to see of them; the book ends with the strongest of hints that there is more to come, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what Mr. Ashe has in store for them.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
February 11, 2025
Finally, I feel like we reached a good place with North and Shaw 🙌🏻 It took me a while to warm to them, and they still make me feel a little uneasy, but I can't find it in me to dislike them. They are the misfit kids of the Hazardverse to me 😆 Out of all of the couples, I clicked with them the least, but I love them all the same. How could I not with North and his love of cheese and anime, and Shaw with his Shawness 🤣🤣🤣
On a side note, if you're the kind of person that has a thing for one MC calling another MC "baby" this is the book for you 🤩 I was knocked out by the number of times North called Shaw "baby" pretty early on, but the hits started coming and they just kept coming 😮💨 I loved it every single time... 68 times to be exact 💙
Overall, I was happy with how everything worked out with the overarching mystery regarding the Slasher. I wouldn't say I had it 100% figured out, but I knew something wasn't right with , so I wasn't too surprised it turned out to be him.
The thing I'm the saddest about though is Jaydon 😭 Precious baby Jaydon. Start to finish, my boy was done so wrong! He was the true MVP and he's what? Still lying in the hospital bed in a coma??? Clearly not because he has his own book by this point, but how long until I find out? 🙃 I've got an entire H&S series to read before I get back to more N&S! Guess I'm just going to be suffering for a bit because I am not emotionally ready to pick up H&S right now 🤣
On a side note, if you're the kind of person that has a thing for one MC calling another MC "baby" this is the book for you 🤩 I was knocked out by the number of times North called Shaw "baby" pretty early on, but the hits started coming and they just kept coming 😮💨 I loved it every single time... 68 times to be exact 💙
Overall, I was happy with how everything worked out with the overarching mystery regarding the Slasher. I wouldn't say I had it 100% figured out, but I knew something wasn't right with , so I wasn't too surprised it turned out to be him.
The thing I'm the saddest about though is Jaydon 😭 Precious baby Jaydon. Start to finish, my boy was done so wrong! He was the true MVP and he's what? Still lying in the hospital bed in a coma??? Clearly not because he has his own book by this point, but how long until I find out? 🙃 I've got an entire H&S series to read before I get back to more N&S! Guess I'm just going to be suffering for a bit because I am not emotionally ready to pick up H&S right now 🤣
September 14, 2020
Declination (Borealis Investigation 3)
By Gregory Ashe
Published by the author, 2019
Four stars
Ashe is so good at what he does. This is what you want a detective/mystery book to do: keep you guessing and twisting until the very end. It takes skill to weave a tale like this, keeping track of all the loose ends (and keeping some of them loose).
Making characters engaging and likeable (if not likeable, at least interesting) is also critical—although I disagree strongly with authors who think that likeable characters are boring. I spend my actual life avoiding unlikeable people, and I don’t need them in my fantasy life. North McKinney and Shaw Aldrich are quirky, interesting, smart, rather badly scorched by circumstance, and good at what they do. While the ongoing emotional sturm und drang in their relationship makes me want to scream, that impulse is tempered by the remarkably funny banter that these two friends-since-college maintain, sometimes at moments that would seem inappropriate. Which just makes it funnier. Add into that mix a madly incompetent administrative assistant, and (for reasons I forget) a puppy, and there’s a leavening madcap quality to the story; lightness to mitigate the darkness that Ashe seems to relish.
Ashe also seems to want to kill off characters that you’ve gotten to know a little—not like the poor red-shirted schmucks in Star Trek episodes. Gotta say, this makes me unhappy. Of course, people die in detective stories, but it’s worse when you sort of like them. (Note: I never would watch Game of Thrones for this very reason.) On the other hand, the author also takes the time to really develop secondary or even tertiary characters, and that’s impressive.
The plot in this third book of the Borealis series twists tighter and tighter, as North and Shaw zero in on a snake pit of corruption and murder. It is tense and confusing and heart-pounding. I assumed this was the finale of the series, but there you are, right at the very end, and someone steps on stage (as it were) and sends the whole thing sideways (again).
If that means there’s a fourth book in the works, I’m more than pleased. If this was just done to mess with my emotions, then I’m pissed off.
I guess we’ll see.
By Gregory Ashe
Published by the author, 2019
Four stars
Ashe is so good at what he does. This is what you want a detective/mystery book to do: keep you guessing and twisting until the very end. It takes skill to weave a tale like this, keeping track of all the loose ends (and keeping some of them loose).
Making characters engaging and likeable (if not likeable, at least interesting) is also critical—although I disagree strongly with authors who think that likeable characters are boring. I spend my actual life avoiding unlikeable people, and I don’t need them in my fantasy life. North McKinney and Shaw Aldrich are quirky, interesting, smart, rather badly scorched by circumstance, and good at what they do. While the ongoing emotional sturm und drang in their relationship makes me want to scream, that impulse is tempered by the remarkably funny banter that these two friends-since-college maintain, sometimes at moments that would seem inappropriate. Which just makes it funnier. Add into that mix a madly incompetent administrative assistant, and (for reasons I forget) a puppy, and there’s a leavening madcap quality to the story; lightness to mitigate the darkness that Ashe seems to relish.
Ashe also seems to want to kill off characters that you’ve gotten to know a little—not like the poor red-shirted schmucks in Star Trek episodes. Gotta say, this makes me unhappy. Of course, people die in detective stories, but it’s worse when you sort of like them. (Note: I never would watch Game of Thrones for this very reason.) On the other hand, the author also takes the time to really develop secondary or even tertiary characters, and that’s impressive.
The plot in this third book of the Borealis series twists tighter and tighter, as North and Shaw zero in on a snake pit of corruption and murder. It is tense and confusing and heart-pounding. I assumed this was the finale of the series, but there you are, right at the very end, and someone steps on stage (as it were) and sends the whole thing sideways (again).
If that means there’s a fourth book in the works, I’m more than pleased. If this was just done to mess with my emotions, then I’m pissed off.
I guess we’ll see.
October 18, 2019
“They’re not going to be happy to see us, are they?” Shaw said. “They might be happy to see me. I don’t know about you.” “I’m a ray of sunshine.” North snorted. “I’m a delight to everyone who meets me.” North rolled his eyes. “Jadon likes me.” “Jadon is a dumbshit.” “You like me.” North grinned. “I’m a dumbshit too, sometimes.”
I read all three books in a row over the course of a few days. Yet, I felt like I had waited the full eight years with North and Shaw, in real time, waiting for them to get their acts together. Or longer...
So now, book three starts with them finally together, finally a couple. Everything works out splendid. They're the perfect couple with their perfect P.I. Business and this book is smooth sailing, all around.
Yeah no, things don't go exactly like that. Or close to that. Which I actually loved. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I want a big mushy book that IS all sunshine and flowers after love. But that would have felt false with these two. All of their issues are too deeply rooted to be resolved that quickly. Throw in the fact that their current case ties in closely with some of the issues and that makes it even harder. All of this being said, I find their whole journey to be so worth it. And through this book, I was never in doubt of how they felt about each other. I think I'm in it for the long haul with this pair.
Other thoughts and notes: Like the previous two books, this one deals with dark subjects such as abuse and assault. Low amount of steamy bits but what there is, is HOT. The mystery part of the stories continue to keep my interest and work well. This doesn't usually happen for me but I confess, I did have a theory in book one that turned out to be correct as everything unfolded in this one. That didn't stop my enjoyment as there were plenty of other things I didn't sort out.
I read all three books in a row over the course of a few days. Yet, I felt like I had waited the full eight years with North and Shaw, in real time, waiting for them to get their acts together. Or longer...
So now, book three starts with them finally together, finally a couple. Everything works out splendid. They're the perfect couple with their perfect P.I. Business and this book is smooth sailing, all around.
Yeah no, things don't go exactly like that. Or close to that. Which I actually loved. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I want a big mushy book that IS all sunshine and flowers after love. But that would have felt false with these two. All of their issues are too deeply rooted to be resolved that quickly. Throw in the fact that their current case ties in closely with some of the issues and that makes it even harder. All of this being said, I find their whole journey to be so worth it. And through this book, I was never in doubt of how they felt about each other. I think I'm in it for the long haul with this pair.
Other thoughts and notes: Like the previous two books, this one deals with dark subjects such as abuse and assault. Low amount of steamy bits but what there is, is HOT. The mystery part of the stories continue to keep my interest and work well. This doesn't usually happen for me but I confess, I did have a theory in book one that turned out to be correct as everything unfolded in this one. That didn't stop my enjoyment as there were plenty of other things I didn't sort out.
Read
July 19, 2021I'm waffling on the rating of this one. Pick the middle point of the last two, I guess.
Okay, so, yeah. This isn't my favourite couple. Or my favourite setting (notably it's the one series where setting plays almost no role at all). Much like the Hazard and Somers series it has some terrible human beings for secondary characters; but additionally has characters that are probably supposed to be non-terrible human beings.. who I also can't stand for 90% of their page time (Pari. Truck, a little [yes, the character's name is Truck]). But maybe the shift in theme (which I can only guess at, based on how this series ended) for their spinoff will appeal more? I don't know. The mystery for this wasn't a surprise at all, I called it back in book one, so I just let it all play out and sadly it was additionally bogged down by the frustrating motions Shaw and North went through.
I'm just not buying this one. I want to, there are brief flashing moments of potential, but it's not landing. But hey, not a big deal, I've been sucked into everything, and everyone else, so we had to have a bit of a bust eventually. It's just weird how it's the middle ground series, between the extremes of the others, that ultimately doesn't work for me.
Okay, so, yeah. This isn't my favourite couple. Or my favourite setting (notably it's the one series where setting plays almost no role at all). Much like the Hazard and Somers series it has some terrible human beings for secondary characters; but additionally has characters that are probably supposed to be non-terrible human beings.. who I also can't stand for 90% of their page time (Pari. Truck, a little [yes, the character's name is Truck]). But maybe the shift in theme (which I can only guess at, based on how this series ended) for their spinoff will appeal more? I don't know. The mystery for this wasn't a surprise at all, I called it back in book one, so I just let it all play out and sadly it was additionally bogged down by the frustrating motions Shaw and North went through.
I'm just not buying this one. I want to, there are brief flashing moments of potential, but it's not landing. But hey, not a big deal, I've been sucked into everything, and everyone else, so we had to have a bit of a bust eventually. It's just weird how it's the middle ground series, between the extremes of the others, that ultimately doesn't work for me.
December 21, 2022
4.5 Stars
Post-Holiday plans: A six pack of Coke, a Devilman: Crybaby binge (yes, Netflix, I AM still watching) and maybe a good cry.
So much happened in this book and I don't feel like I can write about any of it. Some things were resolved while others were left to run wild and cause trouble in the next series. I felt like this arc was very Shaw-centric, which made sense considering the Slasher mystery was the driving force even when the primary mystery had nothing to do with it. I'm hoping the next series focuses more on North because at times he seemed to exist in the margins of Shaw's story. I loved Shaw to pieces, but his selfish behavior made me really upset at times. I understood that his decisions and actions came from a place of pain and determination and a need to regain control over his life, but I wanted him to take a second and ask North how he was doing, how he felt, if he was okay. Sometimes it felt like Shaw was so deep in his own shit that he forgot that North had shit too. I still want to be Shaw's friend, but I think North might make a better best friend.
There were some heavy moments in this book and I loved the way they were handled. North and Shaw aren't perfect, which is my favorite thing about all of the characters in the Hazardverse. They all have issues and trauma. They all make a ton of mistakes. They say horrible things to each other out of fear or frustration. They have the kinds of thoughts that crop up without permission and are never meant to be said aloud, like how their life would be easier if they chose the comfort of status quo over the mania of love. The characters feel like actual human beings, which is why I get so emotionally invested in their stories and why it infuriates me when they make dumb decisions and hurt each other.
Needless to say, I will be jumping into the next series as soon as I get through this holiday weekend. It's only been a few days since I finished this book and I already miss the North and Shaw banter that should probably drive me nuts but absolutely doesn't.
Final thoughts:
1. Points to Tucker for trying. It was an admirable attempt to come across as a decent human being, but you didn't stick the landing.
2. Truck's pronouns made me anxious. Especially since everyone had such a hard time adhering to them.
3. Jadon, call me. I have a friend in Wahredua I'd like you to meet. (Alyssa, did I get it right???)
4. Ryo and Akira cosplay! I'll love this even more after my binge.
Post-Holiday plans: A six pack of Coke, a Devilman: Crybaby binge (yes, Netflix, I AM still watching) and maybe a good cry.
So much happened in this book and I don't feel like I can write about any of it. Some things were resolved while others were left to run wild and cause trouble in the next series. I felt like this arc was very Shaw-centric, which made sense considering the Slasher mystery was the driving force even when the primary mystery had nothing to do with it. I'm hoping the next series focuses more on North because at times he seemed to exist in the margins of Shaw's story. I loved Shaw to pieces, but his selfish behavior made me really upset at times. I understood that his decisions and actions came from a place of pain and determination and a need to regain control over his life, but I wanted him to take a second and ask North how he was doing, how he felt, if he was okay. Sometimes it felt like Shaw was so deep in his own shit that he forgot that North had shit too. I still want to be Shaw's friend, but I think North might make a better best friend.
There were some heavy moments in this book and I loved the way they were handled. North and Shaw aren't perfect, which is my favorite thing about all of the characters in the Hazardverse. They all have issues and trauma. They all make a ton of mistakes. They say horrible things to each other out of fear or frustration. They have the kinds of thoughts that crop up without permission and are never meant to be said aloud, like how their life would be easier if they chose the comfort of status quo over the mania of love. The characters feel like actual human beings, which is why I get so emotionally invested in their stories and why it infuriates me when they make dumb decisions and hurt each other.
Needless to say, I will be jumping into the next series as soon as I get through this holiday weekend. It's only been a few days since I finished this book and I already miss the North and Shaw banter that should probably drive me nuts but absolutely doesn't.
Final thoughts:
1. Points to Tucker for trying. It was an admirable attempt to come across as a decent human being, but you didn't stick the landing.
2. Truck's pronouns made me anxious. Especially since everyone had such a hard time adhering to them.
3. Jadon, call me. I have a friend in Wahredua I'd like you to meet. (Alyssa, did I get it right???)
4. Ryo and Akira cosplay! I'll love this even more after my binge.
January 9, 2024
I read this right after book 2 but forgot to review it and it's been barely a week and I remember nothing 😬.
[checks discord thread]
Right! Satisfying-if-convoluted (and somewhat implausible) mystery where we finally get the slasher. North and Shaw have grown on me, but don't hold a candle to Tean and Jem. Not my fave GA, but I'm invested enough to keep going with the series.
Onward!
[checks discord thread]
Right! Satisfying-if-convoluted (and somewhat implausible) mystery where we finally get the slasher. North and Shaw have grown on me, but don't hold a candle to Tean and Jem. Not my fave GA, but I'm invested enough to keep going with the series.
Onward!
February 27, 2020
4.5 stars.
Can we all just take a moment and appreciate that Shaw and North are actually together in this book? AHH! And it makes me happier than you can ever know. There's still a lot they have to overcome but the way this story has started to progress has made me happy. There were definitely some parts that made me wonder because it really is a slow burn to the max.
As always the cases they work on are greatly written, the story itself is something amazing, I love the humor, the banter between North and Shaw. I've never read anything like this story and it's the best thing. Gregory Ashe is slowly coming to become a favorite author of mine if this is how the stories will be.
With the ending, I'm hoping there will be more books written? And I NEED A HEA FOR JADEN. OMG. My heart broke for everything he went through. I need his book after these guys' story is written.
“You can’t bully me into being happy.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Can we all just take a moment and appreciate that Shaw and North are actually together in this book? AHH! And it makes me happier than you can ever know. There's still a lot they have to overcome but the way this story has started to progress has made me happy. There were definitely some parts that made me wonder because it really is a slow burn to the max.
As always the cases they work on are greatly written, the story itself is something amazing, I love the humor, the banter between North and Shaw. I've never read anything like this story and it's the best thing. Gregory Ashe is slowly coming to become a favorite author of mine if this is how the stories will be.
With the ending, I'm hoping there will be more books written? And I NEED A HEA FOR JADEN. OMG. My heart broke for everything he went through. I need his book after these guys' story is written.
July 20, 2022
This book was brilliant and it is a further example that I love North and Shaw!! I kinda guessed the who that was part of this long mystery involving the West End (but not British) Slasher case, but not the WHY and HOW so it was nice seeing it all come together, even if all of it seemed a little convoluted at first.
Content notes include misgendering a character, violence, mentions of domestic abuse, dirty cops, murders, alleged suicide, and unresolved PTSD.
The start of the book introduces a new character we've never met before and I wondered how this character would even factor into the storyline because the whole thing seemed so unrelated and random? But I really like this new character and how ze is worked into the storyline, and what hir means for another character going forward in the series. The character is gender nonconforming with ze/hir pronouns and hir goes by Truck. Truck is an interesting character in that ze is a scam artist, but I wind up liking hir a lot? Also, Truck is apparently the perfect person for Pari after Pari's fiasco of cheating partners, so I'm really happy for her.
I should note here that, and maybe I'm wrong, Charlie David (the audiobook narrator) pronounces "hir" wrong throughout the entire audiobook? By the time I'm writing this review, I've already gone through the second arc audiobooks as well, and I'm pretty sure he uses the wrong pronunciation for the entire series (which is 5 books where this comes up at this point). The pronoun "hir" should be pronounced "here" but what the narrator says is "her". Although, with all the issues I have with the pronunciations in the audiobook I'm not entirely sure if "here" is pronounced "her" in Canada (where the narrator appears to be from)? I would've expected the American pronunciation at least for a character's pronouns. Because it just sounds incorrect otherwise.
This book takes place two months after the end of Triangulation where we see Jadon on North and Shaw's doorstep very bloodied up and with a threat towards North. We don't see Jadon as much in this book, because his association to North and Shaw, and just being a good detective lands him in hot water for snooping too much into things he should've stayed out of. As far as ex-boyfriends go in Gregory Ashe books, he might be the one I liked the quickest after he became an ex. Like, Jadon is just a good guy. There's nothing really to hate about him. Ex-boyfriends in other series have had a lot more problems to overcome before I finally warmed up to them (looking at you, Nico).
Interestingly, while we have overlap between these Borealis books and the Hazard and Somerset books in that characters appear in one another's books due to their prolixity and just do to being in similar timelines, I don't think we've seen Jadon in the Hazard and Somerset books? So, I wonder if Jadon will ever cross paths with those guys because if Jadon thinks North drives him up the wall, what would a meeting with Emery Hazard do? I don't think Hazard and Jadon have crossed paths when Hazard was working in St. Louis before, but I could be wrong.
This story is unexpectedly very, very angsty, even between North and Shaw. There's a lot of unresolved issues between them even though they're now together. No one does angst between couples in an established relationship better than Gregory Ashe. Their big fight in this book was a stab to the heart, and I love a moment that can give me stabby heart feels.
This book has a puppy (!!!) that North and Shaw both say they don’t want but you can tell they absolutely adore it. They get the puppy on a case that's in a short story, I think? I need to go back and read it to make sure. It's not required reading before diving into this book, but it IS a fun little add-on. And you'll never guess who the puppy loves more. The puppy is so cute! The puppy also has no name (yet).
The Slasher storyline wraps up with this book, but this does end with a cliffhanger into the next story arc because you know who hasn't been dealt with yet? Uncle Ronnie, and most annoyingly, Tucker. They're a thorn in everyone's side and the fast they’re done away with, the better.
One thing I didn't notice the first time I read this because there was so much going on, is that Jadon is still So, if I were to say one part of the ending was odd and left entirely unresolved, that would be it.
I really enjoyed this book and I liked this first story arc. I wouldn't say the audiobook narration is my favorite just because the pronunciations are really just all over the place, and not at all what I would expect from these characters in St. Louis and I find that it is distracting at times.
***Thanks to the author for giving me an e-ARC and audiobook to read and review!**
Content notes include misgendering a character, violence, mentions of domestic abuse, dirty cops, murders, alleged suicide, and unresolved PTSD.
The start of the book introduces a new character we've never met before and I wondered how this character would even factor into the storyline because the whole thing seemed so unrelated and random? But I really like this new character and how ze is worked into the storyline, and what hir means for another character going forward in the series. The character is gender nonconforming with ze/hir pronouns and hir goes by Truck. Truck is an interesting character in that ze is a scam artist, but I wind up liking hir a lot? Also, Truck is apparently the perfect person for Pari after Pari's fiasco of cheating partners, so I'm really happy for her.
I should note here that, and maybe I'm wrong, Charlie David (the audiobook narrator) pronounces "hir" wrong throughout the entire audiobook? By the time I'm writing this review, I've already gone through the second arc audiobooks as well, and I'm pretty sure he uses the wrong pronunciation for the entire series (which is 5 books where this comes up at this point). The pronoun "hir" should be pronounced "here" but what the narrator says is "her". Although, with all the issues I have with the pronunciations in the audiobook I'm not entirely sure if "here" is pronounced "her" in Canada (where the narrator appears to be from)? I would've expected the American pronunciation at least for a character's pronouns. Because it just sounds incorrect otherwise.
This book takes place two months after the end of Triangulation where we see Jadon on North and Shaw's doorstep very bloodied up and with a threat towards North. We don't see Jadon as much in this book, because his association to North and Shaw, and just being a good detective lands him in hot water for snooping too much into things he should've stayed out of. As far as ex-boyfriends go in Gregory Ashe books, he might be the one I liked the quickest after he became an ex. Like, Jadon is just a good guy. There's nothing really to hate about him. Ex-boyfriends in other series have had a lot more problems to overcome before I finally warmed up to them (looking at you, Nico).
Interestingly, while we have overlap between these Borealis books and the Hazard and Somerset books in that characters appear in one another's books due to their prolixity and just do to being in similar timelines, I don't think we've seen Jadon in the Hazard and Somerset books? So, I wonder if Jadon will ever cross paths with those guys because if Jadon thinks North drives him up the wall, what would a meeting with Emery Hazard do? I don't think Hazard and Jadon have crossed paths when Hazard was working in St. Louis before, but I could be wrong.
This story is unexpectedly very, very angsty, even between North and Shaw. There's a lot of unresolved issues between them even though they're now together. No one does angst between couples in an established relationship better than Gregory Ashe. Their big fight in this book was a stab to the heart, and I love a moment that can give me stabby heart feels.
This book has a puppy (!!!) that North and Shaw both say they don’t want but you can tell they absolutely adore it. They get the puppy on a case that's in a short story, I think? I need to go back and read it to make sure. It's not required reading before diving into this book, but it IS a fun little add-on. And you'll never guess who the puppy loves more. The puppy is so cute! The puppy also has no name (yet).
The Slasher storyline wraps up with this book, but this does end with a cliffhanger into the next story arc because you know who hasn't been dealt with yet? Uncle Ronnie, and most annoyingly, Tucker. They're a thorn in everyone's side and the fast they’re done away with, the better.
One thing I didn't notice the first time I read this because there was so much going on, is that Jadon is still So, if I were to say one part of the ending was odd and left entirely unresolved, that would be it.
I really enjoyed this book and I liked this first story arc. I wouldn't say the audiobook narration is my favorite just because the pronunciations are really just all over the place, and not at all what I would expect from these characters in St. Louis and I find that it is distracting at times.
***Thanks to the author for giving me an e-ARC and audiobook to read and review!**
October 29, 2022
Shaw and North - they were not what I expected from the glimpses I had in H/S series- they are way more complicated, I really feel for both of them and look forward to seeing where GA is going take them along with there mystery
October 13, 2019
DNF@85%. There are things to really like about these books in regards to Gregory Ashe's writing style and story line. The mystery gets you invested and I have kept coming back time and time again to finally get to the bottom of the slashers identity.
I don't mind North as a character but I absolutely cannot stand Shaw. He is a narcissistic, flighty, uncaring pain in the behind. While I understand that characters need to be complex and that the good ones often have idiosyncrasies, I genuinely am not able to believe that so many people would be desperately in love with him to the point that they can not see that he is manipulative and insensitive to the feelings of other people.
I was not able to finish because I got to 'another' point in the book where Shaw was being stupid and North tried to explain how he was feeling about the situation and it ended up with Shaw crying (again) and running off. Once again North comes back begging for forgiveness when he was never in the wrong. Just no. Most messed up relationship ever. North needs to find a nice sane boy for once and leave the crazy behind.
On a side note- Shaw really needs to stop paying his useless psychiatrist.
I don't mind North as a character but I absolutely cannot stand Shaw. He is a narcissistic, flighty, uncaring pain in the behind. While I understand that characters need to be complex and that the good ones often have idiosyncrasies, I genuinely am not able to believe that so many people would be desperately in love with him to the point that they can not see that he is manipulative and insensitive to the feelings of other people.
I was not able to finish because I got to 'another' point in the book where Shaw was being stupid and North tried to explain how he was feeling about the situation and it ended up with Shaw crying (again) and running off. Once again North comes back begging for forgiveness when he was never in the wrong. Just no. Most messed up relationship ever. North needs to find a nice sane boy for once and leave the crazy behind.
On a side note- Shaw really needs to stop paying his useless psychiatrist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2023
06.05.2020, 31.07.2023
I was surprised because the last sentence of the book strongly suggests that there's at least one other book coming. I'm looking forward to reading/listening to it because I'm not quite ready to let these guys go. I enjoyed the series, came to love the MCs, and the mysteries were interesting. Also, the narration of the audiobooks was great! I'm ready for whatever Gregory Ashe has in store for North and Shaw.
I was surprised because the last sentence of the book strongly suggests that there's at least one other book coming. I'm looking forward to reading/listening to it because I'm not quite ready to let these guys go. I enjoyed the series, came to love the MCs, and the mysteries were interesting. Also, the narration of the audiobooks was great! I'm ready for whatever Gregory Ashe has in store for North and Shaw.
April 18, 2020
Declination is dark and intense unlike either of the first books in the series
Things are rough between Shaw and North.
Shaw disintegrating
North hoping, craving, aching for his Shaw
8 years
Waiting
Wanting
To be left with a muddled impression of what they could be
So much angst
Unraveling police corruption
Investigating a possible suicide attempt [Jadon Ex-Boyfriend]
Ronnie the mysterious uncle
Paranoia
Knive wounds
Gun shots
Things get out of control
It's quite a ride, an intense ride that wraps up so well.
The slasher mystery unraveled
HFN that's closer to a HEA
I think this would have been a perfect end to the series, but the cliffhanger in the end makes me think that Greogory Ashe is far from done with North and Nash.
Can't wait to see what Ashe does with the rest!
Things are rough between Shaw and North.
Shaw disintegrating
North hoping, craving, aching for his Shaw
8 years
Waiting
Wanting
To be left with a muddled impression of what they could be
So much angst
Unraveling police corruption
Investigating a possible suicide attempt [Jadon Ex-Boyfriend]
Ronnie the mysterious uncle
Paranoia
Knive wounds
Gun shots
Things get out of control
It's quite a ride, an intense ride that wraps up so well.
The slasher mystery unraveled
HFN that's closer to a HEA
I think this would have been a perfect end to the series, but the cliffhanger in the end makes me think that Greogory Ashe is far from done with North and Nash.
Can't wait to see what Ashe does with the rest!
October 20, 2019
This was more of a 2.5 for me and to be honest the good reviews surprise me. I like vulnerability in the characters I read about especially when they are strong, bad ass men but my God the amount of times Shaw cried in this was ridiculous. I couldn t take this book seriously anymore. I don t get why North is so patient and in love with this cry baby 🤷🏻♀️ Also, there is nothing I hate more than when you have a character that is in the wrong but never admits it. Because Shaw just cries at every situation North ends up apologizing everytime even when he is not at fault. At the end when they were discussing North getting hurt and Shaw saying how he wanted to kill the guy that hurt North I actually laughed "how, Shaw? are you going to drown him in your tears!?"😀
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