This was a bit of a roller-coaster. At first, neither character was really likeable or redeemable - Somerset because of what he did in the past, especially to Hazard, and Hazard for his awful attitude and chip on his shoulder. Some might think that Hazard has a valid excuse but going from the peer-abused gay kid to a meathead bully doesn't really equal out. But as the book progressed and the reader - and each character - learns more about them, they just really struck a chord with me and I found I couldn't put the book down to see what they did next and how their relationship progressed.
The mystery itself is just ok and was a little predictable but I read books mainly for the characters so that didn't bother me. Some of the side characters meant to move the plot along (the professor, the lady in the old brothel, etc.) didn't really seem to matter in the end but I assume they appear again since this is a small town and Ashe is a ridiculously prolific writer - there's something like 20 books in this series including short story collections and spin-offs. It's too early to tell if I'll make it through all of them before getting bored with all this drama in Wahredua, Missouri but I'll give it go.
This is a really slow burn and that seems to be Ashe's style. I wanted something to happen over my salad but we're just teased a few times - and this carries on into the 2nd book that I immediately started after finishing this one. Fingers crossed for some more adult activities between our two MCs soon.