Hazard

by Gardiner Harris

A down-trodden inspector investigates a deadly accident in a coal mine in a town where everyone is protecting a secret he might now want to uncover.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312570163
• ISBN13: 9780312570163
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 357 Pages
• Weight: 1.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.6" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating characters make this a stunning read

For any fan of a good mystery, this one ranks up there with all of the heavy hitters. The author tells a compelling story with lots of intrigue and betrayal, providing some really surprising moments. There are also times when the reader is in on the secret and you have to wait patiently for the protagonists to figure it out. That can be frustrating, but the author has constructed such interesting characters and has set his tale in such a compelling place that you don't really mind. I spent a lot of time with this novel just drinking up the scenery. I have some extended family who live in Whitesburg Kentucky, a place described in this book. It's always interesting to me to read an author's take on the people from this region, mostly because after many years, I still don't understand them at all. I must say that in my experience, he is spot on in his descriptions of the people and the area. He states in the book: "In most of the rest of the country, the new replaces the old. Here, present and past live side by side". Very accurate. The story moves along at a quick pace with lots of twists and turns. There is lots to like here for a mystery lover. I learned quite a bit about coal mining that I didn't know before - certainly enough to reinforce my long held belief that it is something I could never do and my admiration for the men who stick with it from generation to generation. They provide a needed commodity and I'm glad writers like Mr. Harris are around to help protect them and enlighten us on their lives. They are a fascinating group of people and Mr. Harris does a great job of creating the characters that form the backbone of this book and make it a great read.

A First-Rate First Novel

I read a lot of books, my tastes are eclectic and I have no problem not finishing something I find boring or inauthentic. Hazard by Gardiner is neither of those. On the contrary, Harris's knowledge of Appalachian culture and coal mining combined with first-rate character development makes this a hard-to-put-down read. Add to that a hero you will love, Amos, a Biblical mountain of a man perfectly named. Harris knows his Bible well and the book's scenes are often subtly drawn from familiar stories. For example, the fugitive Amos eludes his would-be captors like young David hiding in plan sight from the homicidal King Saul. Especially touching were the beautifully drawn scenes of love and anguish in the marriages of his characters. An amazing first novel. Mr. Harris, write some more! Highly recommended!

"Hazard" by Gardiner Harris

Just finished reading this book -- woke up early to finish it. A real page-turner, and -- for a work of fiction -- an incredibly timely and interesting look at the world of coal mining and coal miners, and how mining disasters can happen, and why they will keep on happening as long as there's money to be made in them thar hills and the mine safety agency is not given real law-enforcement powers. Mr. Harris, having reported from eastern Kentucky for years, is uniquely qualified to tell a story like this. Five stars.

Harris moves from prize-winning reportage to p-w fiction

Harris, an award-winning reporter with the New York Times, has moved into fiction with this effort. And quite an effort it is. Harris has crafted an extraordinary novel: it has authenticity, mystery, loads of character development, and a plot that compels page-turning. Little wonder it received a star review from Publishers Weekly.

strong character driven relevant thriller

In Hazard, Kentucky, the Blue Gem Mine is flooded trapping several coal miners. Amos Blevins tries to rescue his peers in a frantic effort. However, in spite of his attempts, nine men die before the surface help can reach them. Although his older brother Paul owns the Blue Gem Mine, Mine Safety and Health Administration inspector Will Murphy investigates the tragedy. Everyone assumes a whitewash, but Will detests his sibling so he digs much deeper than anyone expects. He finds problems that are beyond typical management neglect, which could close the mine; leaving his brother bankrupt and the town unemployed; but to do nothing condones unsafe conditions. This thriller grips the audience from the opening sequence inside the mine and never slows down as the tragedy occurs, the media goes ballistic, and the inspector investigates. Readers will meet a vast cast but besides the brothers it is the surviving miners, their families and those who lost loved ones inside the Blue Gem who make the tale poignant. Will has a difficult choice to make as closing the mine destroys Hazard, but leaving it open destroys families when the next disaster occurs. Gardiner Harris hooks readers with a strong character driven relevant tale. Harriet Klausner