The Face in the Water Audiobook By Gregory Ashe cover art

The Face in the Water

Iron on Iron, Book 1

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The Face in the Water

By: Gregory Ashe
Narrated by: J.F. Harding
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Come to Missouri! See the sights! Solve a murder!

When Teancum Leon, a wildlife veterinarian, and his husband, semi-reformed conman Jeremiah Berger, go to a conference in central Missouri, they’re expecting a short and uneventful trip. Tean will present a paper, attend a few panels, and network (under duress). Jem is looking forward to unlimited poolside drinks, some well-deserved couple time, and peace and quiet.

Instead, they find themselves drawn into a frantic search after the head of the association goes missing. Worse, Tean’s friend from grad school is arrested—and charged with murder.

Their investigation takes them face-to-face with a fervent conspiracist, a band of wildlife traffickers, the owner of a big cat sanctuary, and more. But the real killer doesn’t want to be found, and they’ll do anything to stop Tean and Jem from learning the truth. Lucky for them, they’ve got a reluctant group of allies. Not so lucky for them? Their allies are…well, characters.

©2023 Gregory Ashe (P)2023 Gregory Ashe Literature & Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Private Investigators
Engaging Mystery • Heartwarming Relationships • Excellent Narration • Intriguing Crossover Concept • Emotional Depth
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I feel the need to offer some context. The Lion and the Lion is my favorite Gregory Ashe series, I cannot get enough of Jem and Tean. Everything about the series is so different from the world that hangs from John Henry Somerset. And for me, that is good thing. I feel like an outlier in the world of Gregory Ashe fans. The Same Breath was my introduction to Ashe, and once I finished that series, I moved to The First Quarto series and absolutely loved Theo and Auggie. I thoroughly enjoyed the Holloway Holmes books, and even the DuPage Parrish Mysteries felt unique. The series I have struggled to love is the one everyone gushes over - Hazard and Somerset, I never became invested in their relationship, I had to work too hard and deal with way too much violence and ego. I gave up after the fifth book. Full transparency, I haven't tried any North and Shaw yet.

Major props to JF Harding for being able to bring all of these characters to life, this is no small feat. What continually amazes me about Harding is his ability to create not only unique voices, but also different cadences to his characters. He remains my favorite narrator.

So, coming having come out of the H&S closet, I admit I was a bit concerned that my next dose of Theo, Auggie, Jem and Tean was going to come with Emery and John Henry (and more). My concern, I believe, was initially well founded. After the opening chapters setting up Jem and Tean in the wilds of central Missouri, suddenly there were six additional characters in the mix. There was a long period of time trying to fit all the pieces together. I struggled with a lot of "Blond man" "Tall man" The other bearded man" "the young man" until everyone was formally introduced. A lot of time is spent establishing character idiosyncratic behaviors, which felt for a time like divas in concert where each one needed a minute in the spotlight to remind the audience just who this crazy guy is and why we love him so. The pacing felt very off - especially as this is being peppered in around what becomes a Jem and Tean focused story.

Fortunately, the plot finds its footing and the story flows much better. When allowed to just be, Jem and Tean are, well Jem and Tean in the best way. Ashe remains very true to Tean's voice, as well as Jem's. How they communicate, along with their outlooks make them unique in Ashe's world - especially compared with this group. J&T have always felt quite grounded, their comic relief characters are more subtle - Hannah for example. Funny, dry, a little off, but not a cartoon. There isn't a foul mouthed Fer-like character in their realm. I had to roll with the what felt like very disruptive moments when North and/or Shaw, or Emery would tear the fabric of J&T's energy. I will acknowledge that over the course of the book I came to enjoy John Henry's interactions with Jem, and especially Tean. Auggie had some fun moments, but hopefully the next book will offer more insights into his and Theo's relationship. I kept wondering why Auggie was working what seemed to be publicity for this convention.

An area I struggled with was the timeline, it could have been made a bit clearer. In final book of The First Quarto, John Henry seemed to be at the point where he was separated from his wife, but not yet working with Emery. As that book took place in 2017, Auggie who had just turned 22, should now be about 28, two-ish years younger than Jem. It seemed odd that Auggie was consistently referred to as looking so young, but he is essentially Jem's age. When asked about their relationship, Tean explains that he and Jem have been together about three years, are married and are fostering children (this is discussed early in the book, so it doesn't feel like a spoiler). That seems really fast for a period of no more that 18 months.

So what worked for me? The case was very, very Jem and Tean. The twists and turns felt very much of their universe, there is an especially fun part at rescue sanctuary that would have fit in any of their prior titles. Jem still works his magic, and it really propels the whole story. There is a part of one of Jem's grifts that is really amazing, I won't say more as you need to experience it, and the aftermath as it unfolds. I also appreciated that Theo and Auggie seemed to settled into something solid, as mentioned before I am eager to see what we learn of them in the next installment. I still have fingers crossed that Jem and Tean, and also Theo and Auggie will have their own books/series again, I can't imagine Ammon was at all happy about that wedding!

I think fans of Hazard and Somerset, and also North and Shaw will likely delight in seeing their faves collide in this book, and Ashe has cleverly laid the groundwork for the next book without it feeling gratuitous. Overall a solid recommendation for any fan of Gregory Ashe.

It took awhile, but I eventually got the rhythm

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Loved being back in Missouri with all these couples. You should read/listen to other Gregory Ashe stories before jumping into this one as you will understand the dynamic between each coupling. That being said, Ashe provides the best mysteries for us to ride along with it. And like all his other arcs, this one solves one part of the mystery but a bigger one is still ongoing. So anxious for the next one. J.F. Harding proves why he is good at telling stories. He has the perfect voice for Tean and Jem. However, having other narrators for the other couples, it was a little hard listening to his version of characters - specifically Shaw. Looking forward to all of these coming together.

Back in Missouri

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Listener received this title free

Greg did a wonderful job bringing all these characters together. I loved their interactions. The mystery wss was enjoyable and entertaining.

J. F Harding did a great job bringing the characters to life.

Many thanks to the author for this complementary audiobook.

Loved this ensemble

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Listener received this title free

If you know me you know that I love Gregory Ashe’s books. I love every single series but especially Borealis and Hazard and Summerset. I recently finished Jem and Tean’s series and jumped right into Face in the Water.

Let me tell you I already loved Jem and Tean, but this book…. THIS BOOK!!! Very infrequently do we get to see large time jumps after a series is over, but this book provides a three year time jump after the end of Jem and Tean’s series and the way they’ve grown as a couple and as a family I absolutely beautiful.

I joked that this was like the Jimmy Timmy Power Hour of our childhood - and it really was! Getting to see the four main couples of the Hazardverse come together to joke, bumble around and (finally) solve a mystery was hilarious, heartwarming and occasionally frustrating (in the way only Gregory Ashe books can make you want to throttle his characters while also give them a hug)

I’m so beyond excited to read the next book and I’m now binge reading Auggie and Theo’s series for the next book!

I am already in love with this series

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It was really cool to see all my faves together in one book! I don’t think you really need to read all the books before jumping into this crossover series, or at least not with this book. It gives enough hints that’ll make you interested in Jem and Tean, but you don’t be completely in the dark. This book starts some time after The Lamb and the Lion series ended, so there’s gaps even for me in their story. However, if you’re a completionist, go forth and read all the books. This Iron on Iron series also contains characters from the Hazard and Somerset series, Borealis Investigations (North and Shaw), and The First Quarto (August and Theo).

Fair warning, this series encompasses an overarching mystery and this book does end in a cliffhanger. But good news! All the books in the Iron on Iron series are now out.

Content notes include illegal animal trade, violence, and murder/graphic deaths.

This first book takes place in Missouri, almost 3 years after we last see Tean and Jem in The Same End. I wouldn’t say I like Tean and Jem the least out of all the characters, but they have had the least amount of books and no crossovers with the rest of the cast before this point. Not counting the short stories, we’ve had 3 full-length books about Tean and Jem, 4 for August and Theo, 7 for North and Shaw, and 16 for Hazard and Somerset.

Tean and Jem’s life takes place in Tooele, Utah (right outside Salt Lake City) so what brings them to Missouri? Tean is at a work conference (he’s a wildlife vet) and Jem has tagged along. There’s been some developments since we’ve last seen them and they’ve expanded their family, but Scipio (Tean’s dog) is still very much alive so I loved hearing that.

There’s a few lighthearted moments in this book, but it is overall pretty tense. Tean and Jem don’t know the other guys and the other guys are rightfully suspicious of them. People are missing, Tean’s friend has been taken by police for questioning, and Jem has gone back to his old ways. And in the middle of it all, there’s people possibly involved in the illegal sale of animals. There’s a lot going on.

Tean and Jem’s series is what I consider the darkest books out of all the couple’s books? I think that continues here as well. The tone of this series is a bit of a shift if the last published series you’ve read is the third Hazard and Somerset story arc. I really liked seeing all the characters interact in this crossover, but I think I like everyone’s individual stories more in their own series?

One big issue is the audiobook narration. J.F. Harding does Tean and Jem’s books as well as Auggie and Theo’s so their voices are what I’m used to when listening to their stories. He does an acceptable job with Hazard and Somers’ voice. And North isn’t too off either. But the voice he gives Shaw is BAD and I really didn’t like it. I generally like J.F. Harding and I think overall he did a good job, and it won’t be a problem if you’re only going into this series without an attachment to each couple’s individual audio narration. But when voices are different from what you’re used to, it does stick out like a sore thumb unfortunately.

One unpleasant character showed up in this book and I was NOT expecting to ever see him. He’s the new police chief in Auburn, Missouri and I don’t trust him one bit. If he winds up getting locked away by the end of the series, then good riddance. This character has only been previously mentioned in the Hazard and Somerset books, but has never shown up before.

I think the mystery aspect of this book is very intriguing and definitely kept me on my toes because like most Gregory Ashe books and why I love reading his mystery books, is that I have no idea where we’re going to go. I was surprised at every turn.

It was interesting to see how Tean and Jem observe the other characters and what they make of them. It’s so different from how I know them. I can see from an outsider’s perspective how North and Shaw and their antics can be annoying and how Hazard and Somers might seem a bit rough and maybe a little odd for a couple. Jem’s distrust of Theo and what Tean and Jem think overall about Auggie and Theo’s relationship is on point from an outside view I think. They all seem like they have issues they need to work through that’ll take place in the next book with Auggie and Theo starring as the leads.

Tean and Jem have their own relationship issues in this book, mostly from Jem feeling like he doesn’t measure up to Tean and his peers. Jem only learned how to read in the past few years with Tean’s help but that doesn’t mean Jem isn’t super intelligent by his own right. Jem has the street smarts and definitely knows how to fight. But a wildlife conference has him out of his depths, as I’m sure anyone would be in the same situation.

I tried to piece together all the ages of the characters at the start of this story so here’s what I’ve worked out. Feel free to correct me if I’m wrong. I think Tean is the oldest at 39, Jem is 30, Auggie is the youngest at 24, Theo is 34, North and Shaw are 28, and Hazard and Somers are 36. The Iron on Iron series takes place in an alternate 2020 universe (where the world didn’t shut down).

I think if you’re already a fan of Gregory Ashe’s books, even if you haven’t read every couple’s books, you’ll still like this one. I think the only story arc you’ll really get spoilers from is Hazard and Somerset in the third story arc with Arrows in the Hand. If you’ve never read any Gregory Ashe books, maybe this is a good place to jump in and see which couple you like more and can start their books after finishing this series.

I thought this book was good at introducing all the guys to one another and kick off a mystery, and the audiobook narration was really good. I’m just glad to read about all the guys again, and now I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what happens.

Great start to an ambitious crossover series

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This series is like a gift to the fans of Gregory Ashe. It’s been just about two years since I last listened to a book from Jem and Tean’s perspective. I missed them so much! The last time we saw them, they were forging a life together. Jem was attempting to stop his con-artistry and find steady work. At the beginning of this story we see that they are married now, and raising two kids. They leave their Utah home for the weekend for a Wildlife convention in Auburn, MO. When a person ends up missing and Tean’s friend and fellow convention goer is blamed for some sort of wrong doing, things get a little crazy.

It just happens that Hazard and John Henry are at the conference as guests, North and Shaw are at the conference to investigate the aforementioned missing person, and Auggie is there with his husband Theo in order to handle social media for the event. Three couples from three other series written by this author. And even though I just listened to a book in Theo and Auggie’s world a week or so ago, it was so awesome to see them all converge and put their heads together to solve the case. It was also a little crazy. Shaw is as over the top as always and North is cranky. John Henry tries to keep peace, and Hazard is brusque.

Though Tean and Jem are well established in their relationship together, this trip also causes some feelings of inadequacy. Jem slips a little and tries to con someone and suddenly the whole group is caught up in a murder investigation. So much happens and while I enjoyed the mystery, the interactions between the characters was what had me sucked in. A “bad guy” is found and taken care of at the end of this story though he seems to be just a link in a chain of bad guys and it appears that Jem and Tean are going to be staying in Wahredua with Hazard, John Henry, Auggie, and Theo until they can get to the bottom of the larger mystery that will feature throughout the series.

I am excited to see that we will get a book in each of the couples perspective, and Jem and Tean will be side characters going forward. I do wish that I had just a little bit more of them alone also. They are such an intriguing and complex couple. I think this series will please any fan of mysteries and fans of this author. Last but not least is the narration by J.F. Harding. He is a really good narrator and brought life to this story. I have to wonder with the other couples if their original narrators will narrate their books. If not, I am pleased with the narration.

Such an awesome cast of characters

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Great story and wonderful performance. The author is an excellent storyteller. He is able to capture tension and mystery so well! The n top of it all, the reunion of characters from other series is an excellent surprise and done seamlessly. The author has created a group of characters that become heroes in a human way; not flawless and unreachable but imperfect yet admirable.

Not a surprise…it’s amazing

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Listener received this title free

Great story as always with this author. Also the narrator was great. The story took me a little while to get into because I was trying to find the balance with all the couples together and seeing the other couples through their eyes was different but not in a bad way. I’m excited to see where this series goes. Especially looking forward to book 2 and 4 which feature my favorite couples.

Getting to know the gang

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I read through some of the other recent reviews and I acknowledge some points. Luckily for me, I’m able to submerge into a story without too much nitpicking and a suspension of disbelief. It’s a work of fiction. I don’t have to believe this all could be real and have everything link up perfectly. But I’m easy that way. I love the scenes, characters and interactions and as long as they stay true to their characters, I’m happy to be along for the ride. One of the things I love about this author is how he brings current events into his stories (MAGA and Tiger King anyone?😜)

I think the biggest adjustment for me is orienting myself to JF Harding’s interpretation of H and S since I listened to their all their many audiobooks. Harding is one of my favorite narrators so I didn’t have too much trouble. I didn’t listen to North and Shaw’s novels (though I did visually read them) so I didn’t have any concerns there.

This book is a solid Ashe mystery and I’m excited for the next one. Only question is, can I wait for the audiobook?😜

It’s like a family reunion!

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Bottom line, the combination of Gregory Ashe's story and J.F. Harding's narration is terrific and amazing. I can’t believe that Harding pulled off such a completed script, keeping four couples separate, even as they banter all together. This is just the start. Three more novels to go. It’s going to be a wild and wonderful trip.

Amazing start

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