Hush

By: Tal Bauer

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

Federal Judge Tom Brewer is finally putting the pieces of his life back together. In the closet for 25 long years, he's climbing out slowly, and, with the hope of finding a special relationship with the stunning Mike Lucciano, US Marshal assigned to his DC courthouse. He wants to be out and proud, but he can't erase his own past, and the lessons he learned long ago.

A devastating terrorist attack in the heart of Washington, DC, and the capture and arrest of the terrorist lead to a trial that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of America's national security. The Russian president is gravely injured and fixated on revenge, while a gay Russian dissident is arrested and put on trial in Judge Tom Brewer's courtroom. As Russia beats the drums of war and the United States struggles to contain the trial before it races out of control, secrets and lies, past and present, collide in his courtroom, before his bench.

With the world's attention fixed on Tom and this case, secrets from his past explode during the course of the trial, which place him at the very center of the case and make him the only man who can try to stop the world's slide into war.

Contains mature themes.

©2017 Tal Bauer (P)2018 Tantor

crushing hard on Tal

This story was beyond amazing, just like his executive series and Joel does a brilliant job at delivering these characters and giving them another dimension.

Tal’s Words & World Always Leaves Us In State Of Wonder

Another epic novel brought to us by The Tal Bauer.

Mr. Bauer is known for weaving his story in such a way that he brings you into the scene, making you feel as if you were there. You can hear the sounds of DC metropolis, the music blaring from the speakers on Pride day, the protests and rally. You can envision the sights and colors. Your mouth even waters as you wait to be served an imaginary taco. That is just a part of how Tal Bauer writes his stories. It’s a total experience.

Hush did not disappoint. It has a different feel than the Executive Office series. The earlier chapters of the book gives us background and circumstance of each character.

Tom, the baby judge, has been struggling with his inner demons due to an awful bigot of a mentor. It is difficult to read Tom’s struggle. His emotional trauma from the past, the paralyzing fear, it had him getting in his own way. He has already accepted he’ll be going thru life alone.

That is until Mike.

Inspector Mike, a deputy Marshall, in charge of federal judges’ safety, including Tom. Mike’s character is easy to love. He has his dream “Prince Charming” but because he thought of himself as undeserving, he settled. A lot. As you read Mike’s journey to establishing a healthy amount of self respect, taking risks and facing his fears, you can’t help but root for the guy.

And there’s Etta Mae. Princess Bassett hound, seeker of attention & queen of Tom’s home & heart. She’s my favorite character.

Around halfway is when the story really picks up the pace. It’s instensity, complexities and challenges are up to par with Tal’s writing style.

19 hours seems long at first glance, but as the book ends, you can’t help but ask for more time with the characters Tal has given us.

Joel Leslie is an execellent narrator, he’s one of those narrators I look forward to listening. However, for this story, I felt like Michael Pauley would have been a better fit. Not that Joel did an awful job. Michael Pauley does an excellent narration for law enforcement/mystery/action books. He’d have been epic at this one too.

Long but captivating

I really enjoyed this. Mike and Tom and the whole political mystery was very intriguing.

Wonderful Romance, Exciting Thriller

It's been awhile since I've read Tal Bauer, and Hush is a good one. I like that it isn't a slow burn, and focus is firmly on the couple for most of the story. Bauer does a great job with the way the mystery picks up gradually, gaining steam till the explosive conclusion.

Interesting story, and a really lovely romance.

Audio by Joel Leslie who manages to get 4 stars from me. He does a good job with all the American accents, keeping the 'narrator's' voice separate, as well as managing good variety with the other nationalities represented in Hush.

Tal Bauer brought to life by Joel Leslie!

One of my favorite authors read by one of my favorite narrators?! Yes, please! Mr Leslie absolutely brings the many and diverse characters of a Tal Bauer international romp to vivid life with his impeccable interpretation. Both the dramatic and tender scenes are handled with perfect finesse, and even the fast-paced courtroom banter flows smoothly with easily differentiated voices for each character. Honestly, the only ones I had any trouble separating were the MCs, but Mr Bauer’s writing makes it easy to keep up. In tandem, these consummate professionals deliver a gripping and emotional story that keeps the reader engaged til the very end. Could happily listen to these two collaborate forever!